Peterborough Petes Sign Second-Round Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes has signed 2024 second-round pick Blake Gowan to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s an honour to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Gowan. “I can’t wait to get to Peterborough and get started.”

The Petes selected the Kingston-born defenceman in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and 25 assists for 27 points.

In 10 playoff games, he scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points en route to an OMHA Championship and a spot in the OHL Cup.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to welcome Blake to the team,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Blake is a solid, hard-hitting defenceman who makes good decisions in his own end. We had the opportunity to watch Blake a lot this season with Barrie and were very impressed with his play, especially in the playoffs and the OMHA Championship.”

Gowan is the second Petes pick from the 2024 Priority Selection to commit to the team after the team signed third-overall pick Colin Fitzgerald to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on May 4.

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Two High School Student-Athletes Receive $500 Scholarship From Peterborough Petes Education Fund

High school student-athletes Lilly Legault and Nikolas Pawlowski are named the recipients of the Peterborough Petes Education Fund, each receiving a $500 scholarship, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday morning.

Rod McGills, Peterborough Petes vice president (left); Nikolas Pawlowski, Petes U18 AAA captain and Laura Kennedy, Petes Fund board member (right) presenting the $500 cheque to Pawlowski for his efforts. Legault was absent during the press conference. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Legault and Pawlowski were selected by their coaches as outstanding players from the U18 AA Peterborough IceKats and U18 AAA Peterborough Petes respectively.

Legault is a left winger, graduating from St. Peter’s Secondary School this summer. The high school senior plans to continue her hockey career at the collegiate level in the United States.

“I feel so much gratitude for being chosen to receive this year’s Peterborough Petes Education Award,” explained Legault. “Thank you to my coaches and thank you to the Peterborough Petes for establishing these scholarships for students.”

“Our coaching staff unanimously chose Lilly for this generous award. She is committed to her studies just as much as her athletics and overall enjoys learning,” said Jay Legault, U18 AA IceKats head coach. “She worked at getting ahead all through high school by enrolling in summer courses. She never missed practices due to over-scheduling or upcoming tests. Lilly is committed and organized in balancing both hockey and her studies. That’s a trait a coach notices and wants in their players.”

Lilly is the daughter of NHL and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Jay Legault. The latter was drafted in the third round, 72nd overall by the Ducks in 1997. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Pawlowski was captain of the U18 AAA Petes as a defenseman. He moved from the Durham area to Peterborough when he was 16 and was with the team for two seasons. This year, he logged two goals and 16 assists in 33 games.

”I'm very grateful. It doesn't happen without a great team around me,” said Pawlowski. “Just to have this opportunity, I feel very thankful to my coaches and to everybody to the whole organization.”

“Nik was a dedicated leader all year,” said Colin Sharpe, U18 AAA Petes head coach. “His work ethic and commitment to improving was an example for everyone on the team. We know he will carry these qualities into his next steps for both hockey and education.”

Pawlowski was a member of the Ajax/Pickering Raiders prior to moving to Peterborough with the Petes Minor Hockey system. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Durham region native is graduating from Norwood District High School this summer, and like Legault, he wants to continue his hockey career in the collegiate ranks in the United States.

“I'm going to keep pursuing hockey and hopefully pursue a scholarship in the States.,” he explained. “I'm interested in science (kinesiology) and the human body so we'll see where that takes me.”

He won the ‘Most Dedicated’ award during the Minor AAA Petes Banquet held last month.

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New Canadians Centre Launch Canadian Multicultural Festival For June

In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing the Canadian Multicultural Festival for the month, announced at Fresh Dreams on Tuesday.

Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA vibrancy manager (left); Ty Nguyen, NCC community engagement assist (middle) and Andy Cragg, NCC executive director enjoying food from Fresh Dreams as part of the Multicultural Food Crawl. Last year, the NCC supported over 2,000 newcomers from more than 100 countries around the world. This is the highest number of clients ever and a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre.

The festival is a series of programs and events celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough.

A Multicultural Food Crawl, with 10 participating restaurants, was announced at the event to let the public experience culturally diverse flavours in Downtown Peterborough.

The locations are as follows:

• Ariyana

• Bhojan

• Cork & Bean

• Curry Village

• Fresh Dreams

• La Mesita Restaurante

• Levantine Grill

• Milk + Tea Shop

• Oasis Mediterranean Grill (OMG)

• Village of Thai

For every $10 spent during June, festival goers receive a stamp in your Multicultural Food Passport. Six stamps enter them into a draw to win one of three $100 Boro Gift Cards.

Passports are available at the NCC or any of the participating 10 restaurants.

“In Spain, our culture, our unity, and our love starts from the table where we spend hours talking with families and friends while sharing family-style meals, said Monica Silva, Fresh Dreams owner. Through my dishes and Fresh Dreams, I want to show the community a part of Europe and my culture.”

NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party will give samples from each participating restaurant at 221 Romaine St. on June 28 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (while supplies last).

The public can vote for their favourite restaurant of the crawl for a chance to win a $25 Boro Gift Card. Tag @newcanadianscentre #multiculturalfoodcrawlptbo on social media with your experience to be entered.

The NCC has several other Canadian Multicultural Festival events throughout June:

• June 19: Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace at Millennium Park

• June 20: “Our Home” – World Refugee Day Community Conversation in collaboration with the Peterborough Public Library

• June 22: Zumba Party at Quaker Foods City Square

• June 23: Jollof Rice Cooking Class at New Canadians Centre

• June 24: Language Exchange (Arabic, French, Spanish, Hindi) at New Canadians Centre

• June 25: Coffee and Tea Tasting – Sip Around the World at the New Canadians Centre

• June 28: NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party at 221 Romaine Street

“Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism is at the heart of community-building,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “We may be one small organization in one part of a huge country, but in celebrations like these and in the work that the New Canadians does every day, we are on the front lines of building an inclusive and prosperous multicultural society.”

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Voice of Business: We Need Urgent Action to Tackle Our Substance Abuse Crisis

An average of eight people die every day in Ontario from drug poisoning, that’s 3,000 people every year.

It’s an issue affecting communities across Ontario.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is echoing the comments of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) in its latest policy primer Beyond Emergency Declarations: Charting Ontario’s Course Through the Substance Use and Overdose Crisis.

In fact, our local chamber is leading a new Chamber working group under the OCC involving chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the province to share best practices and find meaningful solutions to one of the biggest issues we’re dealing with.

In a press release about the new policy primer, OCC President and CEO Daniel Tisch says:

“Businesses across Ontario find themselves near the frontlines of an evolving social crisis that they are ill-equipped to manage. With rising security costs and dwindling customer traffic, they see risk to their employees, their customers, and their future. Our report also highlights high fatality rates in some sectors, such as construction. Without urgent action, our province faces devastating, long-term socio-economic harm.”

The goal as stated in the report is to frame the ongoing conversation about addiction management by simplifying the complex narrative surrounding substance use, bridging the knowledge gap among stakeholders and emphasizing the need for evidence-based, community-informed solutions that prioritize public health principles, prevent mortality, and improve recovery outcomes.

The report itself is only seven pages and packed with good information. It’s well worth a read, but I’ll pull out a few key points.

Peterborough is well above average in our number of opioid deaths. While Ontario averages 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Peterborough sits at 53.2. All of those with higher rates are in Northern Ontario in places like Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sudbury. The report notes that addictions issues are hitting northern, rural and First Nations communities particularly hard.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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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.

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