Peterborough Blogs
Trent University Reappoints Dr. Michael Khan As Provost and Vice-President Academic
/Trent University has reappointed Dr. Michael Khan to a second five-year term as provost and vice-president Academic, effective Aug. 1, 2025, announced on Wednesday.
Khan grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“Michael has been instrumental in steering Trent University towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “His leadership has been pivotal in developing a robust Academic Plan, launching new interdisciplinary programs, and fostering a collaborative environment that has significantly contributed to our enrolment growth and institutional reputation. We are thrilled to have him continue in this key role as we navigate future opportunities and challenges.”
Since joining Trent in August 2020, Dr. Khan has overseen the planning, budgeting, development, administration, quality assurance and integrity of the University's academic affairs according to a press release.
During Khan's Trent tenure, he led the development of an integrative Academic Plan, guided by 12 overarching academic guiding principles central to the University's strategic growth and academic priorities.
The University says it has introduced numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and paid co-op opportunities under Khan.
HE has also played a crucial role in strategic growth and expansion at Trent's Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area, as stated in a press release. He has ensured a steady increase in the number of domestic and international students through developing professional master’s, postgraduate certificates, and innovative undergraduate degree programs at Trent Durham.
“I am honoured to continue my role as provost and vice-president Academic at Trent University,” said Khan. “Trent’s collegial and proactive approaches to academic programming and student success has enabled us to make remarkable strides in enhancing our academic offerings, supporting our faculty and students, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. I am excited to build on this foundation and continue working with our exceptional team to drive further innovation and excellence at Trent.”
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List of Road Closures During Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival This Saturday
/For the public’s safety, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival committee has secured approval from the City of Peterborough to close Crescent Street from George Street to Winch Street on race day this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
EACH YEAR, THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL MEETS AT LITTLE LAKE OFF CRESCENT STREET. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
The closures are in place at the following locations:
Rink St. from the east side of George St at the Crary Park Marina entrance.
Perry St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.
Lake St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.
Lock St. from the north side of Romaine St. to the south side of Crescent St.
Romaine Street from the east side of Lock St. to the west side of Crescent St.
Crescent St. from the south side of Perry St. to the west side of Winch St.
Emergency No Parking signs will be installed in the following locations:
Lock Street (both sides) from Romaine Street to Ware Street
Winch Street (both sides) from Crescent Street to Ware Street
Haggart Street (both sides) from Crescent Street to Ware Street
Crescent Street (both sides) from Winch Street to Haggard Street
Ware Street (both sides) from Haggart Street to Lock Street
The following is the event schedule (times are subject to change):
8 a.m. - Shuttle bus to parking areas begins running (see website for details)
8 a.m. - Awakening the Dragon/Opening Ceremonies
8:30 a.m. - First Race Heats begin
9 a.m. - Vendors Village Market opens with over 40 vendors brought to us from Modern Makers Market including food vendors
9 a.m. - Family Fun Zone opens offering activities and crafts from 15 providers to keep everyone entertained.
11 a.m. - The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens
11:15 a.m. to noon - Mackenzie Cup Race series followed by the Survivor Flower Ceremony
1 p.m. - Second Race Heats begin
3:10 p.m. - Divisional Finals begin
3:45 p.m. - Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park
4 p.m. - Raffle draw at the tent near the bleachers
4:30 p.m. - Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park
5:10 p.m. - Final Race fooled by Awards Presentations Fundraisers - At the bleachers
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15-Year-Old Taken To Hospital For Treatment After Collision With Vehicle
/A 15-year-old male riding an e-scooter was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment after a collision with a vehicle on Tuesday night.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 9:20 p.m., the incident occurred in the Rubidge Street and Brock Street area. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.
The area was closed for about four hours while the Collision Reconstruction team investigated.
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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Etobicoke Man Faces Impaired Driving Charges After Speeding and Squealing Tires In North End
/A 28-year-old Etobicoke man is facing several vehicular charges, including impaired driving, after a Monday evening incident.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 6:40 p.m., officers received several reports of a vehicle speeding and squealing tires in the area of Olympus Avenue and Royal Drive.
They located a vehicle matching the description given to the police. When officers tried to approach the suspect, the vehicle pulled away from the curb, drove erratically and was observed speeding through a school zone.
The officer activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. They noticed signs of impairment upon speaking with the driver.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Dangerous operation
Drive motor vehicle- no licence (Highway Traffic Act)
Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor (Liquor License Control Act)
Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available (Cannabis Control Act)
The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court July 16.
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Peterborough Lakers Drop Season Opener 13-10 On the Road to Oakville Rock's Third-Period Surge
/The Peterborough Lakers are not off to the start they wanted as they lost to Oakville 13-10 thanks to a nine-goal third period from the Rock at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Monday night.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.
The two teams were evenly matched in the opening frame, scoring four goals apiece. Thomas Hoggarth had Peterborough’s first two goals followed by Taite Cattoni and Jake Withers.
Peterborough took control of the game in the second period as the shut out Oakville and tacked on another four goals for an 8-4 lead. Koleton Marquis and Owen Hiltz had the first two goals for the Lakers. The returning Joe Resetaris, who played Jr. B Quebec lacrosse last season, returned to score his first of the season. Dylan Hutchinson capped off the perfect period for his first goal in the last second.
Oakville had rallied in the third and assumed control for the rest of the game. After they coughed up a Withers goal just five seconds into the final stanza, the Rock went on a five-goal run to tie the game up at nine apiece.
Hoggarth got the hat trick and let Peterborough regain a 10-9 lead. In the final two minutes of the game, Oakville rang off four unanswered goals to finish off the Lakers and hand them their first loss of the season.
The Lakers will try to redeem themselves on their continued road trip and face off against the Brampton Excelsiors at the Brampton Memorial Arena on Thursday night at 8 p.m.
Swim, Bike and Run Hard at the Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon On Aug. 11
/The Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon will be held on Aug. 11 at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.
Photo courtesy of Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon.
The park is located at 1085 Ennis Rd., with the event in support of BEL Rotary.
The triathlon welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. It features a variety of race options such as the Try-a-Tri, Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and a Team Relay Sprint Triathlon.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for families, friends and individuals to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Chemong Lake,” said Ryan Driscoll, race director.
Race Day Schedule:
8 a.m.: Race day check-in begins
9 a.m.: Try-a-Tri start
10:30 a.m.: Relay, Sprint Tri & Duathlon star
Race Categories and Fees (Prices increase July 1 for all events):
Try-a-Tri (ages 11 and older): 300 m swim, 10 km bike, 3 km run - $85
Sprint Triathlon (ages 12 and older): 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $90
Duathlon (ages 12 and older): 3 km run, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $90
Team Relay Sprint Triathlon (ages 12 and older) (two or three members): 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $100
“Participants and spectators alike will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day at Ennismore Waterfront Park,” said Driscoll. “The event not only promotes physical fitness but also supports a great cause. Funds raised from the triathlon will benefit the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield, helping to support their various community projects.”
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City of Peterborough Appoints New Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management Commissioner
/City Council has appointed Blair Nelson as the City of Peterborough’s new commissioner for infrastructure, planning and growth management, announced on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The decision was based on the recommendation of Jasbir Raina, chief administrative officer, during Monday’s meeting.
Nelson’s role is to lead a City department that includes Planning, Development and Urban Design, Building Services, Asset Management and Capital Planning and Engineering and Capital Works according to the City.
“City Council is focused on moving our community forward which includes substantial investments in our City’s infrastructure, implementing the new Official Plan to manage growth and alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan for our community,” said May Jeff Leal. “Blair’s extensive experience leading large, complex infrastructure projects will help position our City to continue the momentum that we’ve built.”
Nelson has served as the City’s Director of engineering and Capital Works since November 2022 and has held the City Engineer role with the City of Peterborough since July 2018. He joined the City in 2005 as an engineering design and construction technologist and has held progressively responsible positions, including Manager of design and Construction and Manager of engineering and Public Works, before moving into his current role.
Nelson is a Professional Engineer with memberships in the Professional Engineers of Ontario, Municipal Engineers Association, and Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. He was born and raised in the Peterborough area. He moved outside the community for school and returned to Peterborough to work as a project manager and engineer in the private sector before joining the City of Peterborough.
“I’m excited to continue to work with the knowledgeable and dedicated Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management team in this leadership role. We look forward to delivering essential services and infrastructure alongside our City colleagues to implement Council’s Strategic Plan,” said Nelson. “How we plan, build and manage our municipality is central to our community’s wellbeing.”
“Blair is a committed, forward focused and authentic leader who has proved his professional competence, managing many complex engineering projects in his career,” said Raina. “Blair possesses exceptional tacit knowledge about the City’s infrastructure and will prove to be instrumental in moving our City forward while we continue to invest over the next many years to maintain and build our critical infrastructure. I am extremely pleased that Blair has accepted a position in the City’s Leadership Team to lead this value-creating department.”
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Community Care Peterborough to Announce Grandparent of the Year Recipients Tuesday Night
/Children have made their nominations and Community Care Peterborough is announcing the recipients of its 36th annual ‘Grandparent of the Year’ awards in a ceremony at the Peterborough Public Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night.
Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

