Peterborough Man Arrested For Possessing Stolen E-Bike During a Police Traffic Stop

A 53-year-old Peterborough man is facing a possession by crime charge after a traffic stop early Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:25 a.m., officers on general patrol conducted a traffic stop of a pickup truck. During the stop, officers spotted an e-bike hanging off of the tailgate. Police determined that the e-bike had been reported stolen in October 

The arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused was released on an appearance notice and will appear in court on Aug. 20.

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Peterborough Could See Heavy Rainfall Wednesday and Thursday From Hurricane Beryl Remnants

Peterborough and parts of the County could receive heavy rainfall due to the remnants of Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday and Thursday according to Environment Canada.

Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

Peterborough, Lakefield and southern parts of the County are the potential affected areas.

Rainfall is expected to begin either late Tuesday night or Wednesday and continue into Thursday.

Torrential downpours are estimated to bring 20 to 40 mm per hour at times while localized rainfall totals possibly well over 50 mm.

Although confidence in the weather system's exact track is low, these systems have produced very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours in the past says Environment Canada.

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Ontario Government Offering Free Admission to Provincial Parks July 19

To mark Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, Ontario government is offering free day-use access to provincial parks on July 19 announced on Monday.

The Ontario government is enhancing those recreational opportunities by building 300 new campsites and bringing electrical services to 800 existing campsites at several parks throughout the province. File Photo.

This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote health benefits of getting outside with nature according to a press release.

“I invite all Ontarians to take advantage of this free pass to Ontario Parks, an opportunity to immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of exploring the great outdoors,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Whether you’re looking to get some exercise or seeking a fun and affordable day with your family, I hope this free day will give more people the opportunity to explore everything that their local provincial park has to offer.”

Several programs and facilities offer hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and more.

Throughout the summer, Ontario Parks offers numerous ways to engage with nature including:

• In-park Discovery Programs which allow kids and adults to gain confidence in nature and around wildlife through activities such as guided hikes to explore a new trail and other educational programs.

• The 30x30 Nature Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August.

• Take a Hike Day on August 10, providing guided hikes at provincial parks around the province. Visitors can join in on one of the many events happening across the province.

To ensure access to Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, visitors are encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days before the celebration, at no charge, for the 75 parks that offer this service.

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U.S. Consul General Takes a Stop In Peterborough

The City of Peterborough welcomed Baxter Hunt, U.S. Consul General in Toronto to town on Monday.

(From left to right) Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Vijay Kumar Khatri, Fairlife/Minute Maid senior director of operations and Baxter Hunt, U.S. Consul General. Fairlife/Minute Maid was one of several places Hunt was toured to by Leal and Clark. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Consul General Hunt's visit is part of the City’s efforts to position Peterborough as a destination of choice for innovative businesses and people as outlined in the City Council’s Strategic Plan according to a press release.

Hunt was welcomed by Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden at City Hall. They discussed the strong, existing relationships with American companies and people in the region.

“It was truly an honour to host Consul General Baxter Hunt in Peterborough today and to have meaningful conversations with the esteemed representative of the United States in Toronto. We are focused on building strong, collaborative relationships and were delighted to be able to showcase the deep connections we share with our American neighbours,” said Leal. “The visit was a welcome opportunity to show off our beautiful, dynamic, innovative community. I look forward to more collaborative conversations and visits.”

Hunt joined a roundtable with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce members to learn about the region’s business climate and build conversations with the local businesses. He also toured the Coca-Cola facility, the Flexjet Flying Colours facility at the Peterborough Airport and the new Canadian Canoe Museum next to Little Lake. 

The daylong visit featured local cuisine and a tour of Peterborough County and the Peterborough Region.

“I have had the honour of serving as the Consul General in Toronto since last October and one of the best parts of my job is engaging with communities and regions such as Peterborough that are creating jobs and economic prosperity in both our countries,” said Hunt. “I appreciate the invitation to Peterborough where I have experienced the vibrant community first-hand this summer. The full day engagements highlighted the strong economic ties, people-to-people ties and collaborative spirit between the United States and Canada.  I look forward to continuing the many conversations we started today.”

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Executive Director Announces Departure From Kawartha World Issues Centre

After joining in 2022, Sam Rockbrune, Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) executive director has announced her departure, announced on Monday.

Rockburne holds a BA Honours from Carleton University in Law with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Photo courtesy of KWIC.

“Sam will be missed by the Board, staff, volunteers, and our many community partners,”  shares Ryan Sisson, KWIC board chair. “Her dedication to empowering youth leaders and building sustainable and equitable communities has been a key thread in her time with the organization.”

During her time with KWIC, Rockburne has extensively supported KWIC's umbrella programs including TRACKS Youth Program, according to Sisson.

“During Sam’s tenure, KWIC has become a stronger, and more resilient organization, that is ready to face future challenges,”he said. “As KWIC celebrates our 35th anniversary, we are seeking the next community leader to position us as a key hub for global to local connections and supporting youth leaders.” 

KWIC has already begun its search for the next Executive Director.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Two Counts of Attempted Murder Involving His Intimate Partner

The Peterborough Police Service investigated an incident regarding an attempted murder between involving a 28-Peterborough man and his partner in the Brock Street and Aylmer Street area on Saturday.

After the investigation, the man has been arrested and charged with:

• Attempted murder X2 

The accused is being held in custody and appeared in court on Sunday.

Police say there is no threat to public safety as a result of this incident and thanks the community for their understanding during the investigation.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project Survey Open to Public

The City of Peterborough is inviting the public to take a survey regarding the streetscape along Charlotte Street, between Park Street North and Aylmer Street North to inform the creation of conceptual options for an enhanced streetscape design.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

A public survey for the Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project is available online through July 28. Visit City Hall reception at 500 George St. N for a paper copy of the survey.

The Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project builds upon:

• past investigation and consultation work for Charlotte Street, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards;

• recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents, including the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Central Area Urban Design Guidelines; and

• current public consultation activities.

The project aims to integrate multi-modal transportation options (walking and rolling, cycling, transit, and driving) to support sustainable, efficient, and accessible travel for all ages and abilities according to the City. Concepts will balance space needs for travelling, loading/unloading and parking while strengthening user experience, downtown activity, and economic growth with improved amenities, wayfinding, and urban design.

According to a press release, the City is inviting community members to share feedback through the public survey on how they use this section of Charlotte Street, their experience and their ideas for the future of this important area of Peterborough’s downtown.

Feedback from the consultation will help inform the development of the conceptual design options. When the design options are created, another consultation stage will be held to get feedback on the design options before recommendations are presented to City Council.

The reconstruction of Charlotte Street has not been approved and the construction project has not been fully funded. The City is preparing a streetscape design recommendation so that a project plan is in place for when the construction is ready to proceed.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Carin' Crystals, Watson & Lou, Community Futures and Ghost Taco

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…

Carin' Crystals is now open in Bobcaygeon.

The shop is located at 232 Main St. on the east side of the Shell station. Owner Karen Francis officially launched her new business on June 8. She carries rocks, minerals, fossils and crystals, including spheres, towers, tumbles and raw. She has one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor ranging from more affordable items to high-end. Drop by and you’re sure to find something unique.

After seven years, Erin Watson, co-founder of Watson and Lou, is passing the torch to new owner Katie Küntz.

Watson started the shop with Anna Eidt back in 2017 with their mutual love for contemporary art and design. Their objective has been to host a creative shop that helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, invites people to try new skills, and helps people find unique items to brighten someone's day while also investing in the local creative community.

Looking for entrepreneurial expertise and support to start or grow your business?

Community Futures is taking on the local Business Advisory Centre services, offering access to funding and advisory services all in one location. This includes delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre programs and offering the popular Starter Company Plus. These services had previously been offered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development. Community Futures is a not-for-profit organization that offers flexible financial support for small businesses. You can find them at Venture North at 270 George St. N.

There’s a tasty new option in Peterborough’s west end.

Ghost Taco has opened at 110 Chandler Cres. Dine in, take out, or get it delivered. Ghost Taco started as a pop-up after the pandemic forced their events business to close. Right from the start they’ve been inundated with orders. They took two years to perfect their menu and are now building an empire of chef-inspired tacos with quality ingredients. They currently have locations in Newmarket, Maple, and Peterborough with another location coming soon in Whitby.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Assistance In Locating Missing 15-Year-Old Girl

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Neveah Wallwork who was reported missing on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Wallwork was last seen leaving her residence on Monday in the Crawford Drive area.

She is described as:

• 5’8'

• Slender

• Long blonde hair

• Fake eyelashes

• Nose pierced on right side

 Last seen wearing:

• White crop top

• Black spandex shorts

• Possibly wearing green Air Jordan shoes

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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SPARK Photo Festival to Conclude Its 12-Year Run

After 12 years of showcasing photography, the Board has decided the 2024 festival was the final SPARK Photo Festival, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival.

A press release issued the following statement:

“The mission of SPARK was to celebrate photography and the artists and enthusiasts behind the camera lens. The Festival introduced accessibility for photographers to have venues to display their art and for the audience to discover it. Right here in our region tens of thousands of visitors experienced printed and digital photography from hundreds of local photographers. Exhibits were mounted in traditional galleries and studios, and also in unexpected places such as shops, cafes, libraries, community centres, and even in the great outdoors.

Like many arts and cultural efforts today, SPARK has encountered financial pressures that do not appear to be resolvable over the next few years. Instead of potentially entering negative cash flow territory, the SPARK Board decided it would be preferable to exit following a strong run of eleven successful festivals.”

To view archive exhibit pages, virtual exhibits and past Festival catalogues, viewers can go online before July 20.

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