Five Peterborough Petes Named to Hockey Canada Program of Excellence Summer Camp Rosters

Hockey Canada has named Five Peterborough Petes to its official rosters for their annual Program of Excellence Summer Camps announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Second-year Petes Carson Cameron and Caden Taylor were named to the U18 roster while Rookies Colin Fitzgerald, Blake Gowan and prospect Alexander Hage were named to the U17 roster.

“Congratulations to Carson, Caden, Colin, Blake, and Alexander on their selections to Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence Summer Camps,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “It’s great to see that Hockey Canada has recognized their hard work and dedication. This is a huge step in the development of these players and we look forward to seeing the impact this experience has on each of them.”

Cameron, a 2007-born defenceman from Bobcaygeon, was originally selected by the Petes in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Petes, Cameron scored four goals and added 22 assists for 26 points, winning both the Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) and Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) at the Petes 2023-24 Awards Banquet. This is Cameron’s second time attending the Summer Excellence Camps. Last summer, he was selected for U17 camp, leading to his winning a gold medal with Canada White at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge.

Taylor, a 2007-born forward from Shanty Bay, Ont., was selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the first round, ninth overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He was acquired by the Petes on Jan. 8, in exchange for Donovan McCoy. In 58 games between the Wolves and Petes last season, he scored 12 goals and added 11 assists for 23 points.

Fitzgerald, a Peterborough, native, was selected by the Petes in the first round, third overall, in this year’s OHL Priority Selection. He played in 34 games last season with the Peterborough Petes U16, scoring 39 goals and adding 25 assists for 64 points. In eight playoff games, he scored 13 times and added eight assists, helping the Petes to the OMHA Championship game and the 2024 OHL Cup. In six OHL Cup games, the 6.01, 174 lbs. centre finished tied for the tournament lead in scoring with eight goals and five assists for 13 points, leading the Petes to a semi-final finish and being named to the All-Star team.

Gowan, a defenceman from Kingston, was selected by the Petes 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 adding 25 assists for 27 points. In 10 playoff games with the Colts, Gowan scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points, helping the Colts to an OMHA Championship and a spot in the OHL Cup.

Hage, a forward from Mississauga, was selected by the Petes in the sixth round, 105th overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 32 games with the Vaughan Kings U16 last season, Hage scored 18 goals and added 35 assists for 53 points. In 12 playoff games, Hage had eight points, helping Vaughan win the GTHL Championship. At the OHL Cup, Hage added another eight points in seven games to lead the Kings to a second place finish.

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Habitat for Humanity Holding Grand Opening of Lakefield Location July 24

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is having its grand opening of their new Lakefield ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Rd., Selwyn on July 24 at 10 a.m.

In 2023, Habitat PKR’s ReStores diverted 331,730 items from landfills in the Peterborough & Kawartha Region. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The new ReStore will further the Habitat’s mission of supporting local families and individuals through affordable homeownership according to a press release.

All are invited to attend, where there will be food, music and an opportunity to be among the first to explore and shop at the new location. The store will sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances and home décor.

“We are thrilled to be opening the doors to the Lakefield ReStore in the township of Selwyn,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “This new location will help us continue serving the Peterborough and Kawartha region through our three ReStore locations, bringing us closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.”

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Five Counties Smashes $40,000 Fundraising Goal From Third-Annual Backyard Summer Social

Five Counties Children’s Centre’s (FCCC) signature gala fundraising event, ‘The Centre’s Backyard Summer Social’ surpassed the $40,000 mark for the third straight year, raising $41,775 to support kids’ treatment service.

Julie Davis, FCCC Board of Directors chair (left) and Petes’s mascot, Roger (right) were among the guests to help kick off summer at the third annual Backyard Summer Social. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

All proceeds raised through the Backyard Summer Social go to the Centre’s Building Abilities for Life campaign which directly benefits children in the community to receive high-demand treatment services according to a press release. This includes providing priority speech-language therapy and occupational therapy to children and youth who need them and reducing wait times for these life-changing services.

“The day was supposed to be a washout, but the rain held off just long enough on June twenty-second for us to enjoy a fabulous afternoon outdoors. The Backyard Summer Social was filled with fun, games, music, laughter, good conversation, and memorable moments – all while supporting our kids,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We know the earlier a child can access important treatment programs for development, communication or physical needs, the better their outcome. That’s why fundraising events like this one allow us to see more kids and fill the gaps that can’t always be covered by government funding.”

The Backyard Summer Social is billed as an event for people age 19+ that allows adults to be kids again. This year, attendees enjoyed music, food, entertainment, a live auction, door prizes, and fun activities including axe throwing, jousting, circus performances, a petting zoo and old-fashioned picnic games.

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Peterborough Lakers Playoff Schedule Against Owen Sound North Stars Released: Game One On Thursday at PMC

The playoff schedule between Peterborough Lakers and the Owen Sound North Stars has been released, with game one beginning at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The following is the playoff schedule:

• Game 1: Thursday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m. @ PMC

• Game 2: Saturday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. @ Owen Sound

• Game 3: Thursday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m. @ PMC

• *Game 4: Saturday, July 27 time TBD @ Owen Sound

• *Game 5: Sunday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m. @ PMC

*if necessary

The bracket was determined after the Cobourg Kodiaks defeated Owen Sound 14-9 on Sunday night. The loss locked the North Stars as the sixth seed.

Single-game tickets for games one and three go on sale Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m. online, over the phone, and in person at the box office. If necessary, single-game tickets for Game 5 will go on sale Sunday.

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Peterborough Woman Facing Theft Charges After Allegedly Stealing From Two Businesses

A 43-year-old Peterborough woman is facing theft and probation charges concerning thefts at two businesses on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Community FIRST unit officers responded to a call from a business in the George Street and Charlotte Street area about a theft that had just occurred. Officers were told the woman had started walking south down George Street and they could locate a woman who matched the description given to police several blocks away.

During a search after the arrest, officers located the reported stolen items and returned them to the store. They also found several other items and, through investigation, located and returned items to one other business.

As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000 X2

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X4

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

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

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Blue-Green Algae Blooms Expected This Summer Says Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) advises residents to protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae (BGA), which may bloom in local lakes.

FIle photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria known to create ‘blooms’ of algae. These blooms are unsightly and smelly and can be toxic to humans and animals when touched or consumed. Possible effects for humans and animals include skin rash and eye irritation. If consumed in large quantities, the toxin associated with BGA can lead to illness and death. 

BGA occur naturally in waterways, particularly where water is shallow, slow-moving and warm. However, with rising temperatures and extreme weather due to climate change, BGA blooms are increasing according to PPH.

BGA presents in various forms, blooming and then dying off. As it is difficult to identify a toxic bloom, residents are advised to avoid all algae blooms. Residents relying on private water supplies, especially surface water supplies, should not use the water if a blue-green algae bloom is suspected. 

Peterborough Public Health inspects public beach water regularly and will close local beaches if BGA is identified. Water testing results can be found online.

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $450,000 For Training Towards Creating Jobs In Trade Sector

The Ontario Government has invested $435,210 to train 75 workers for in-demand careers in aviation and construction, announced at Flying Colours on Monday morning.

The investment brings Ontario's total in skills development training through SDF to nearly $1.1 billion. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario's Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and upskilling,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This project will give people the necessary skills needed to land in-demand and well-paying jobs in their communities and contribute to our province.”

The training is provided through the Skills Development Training Stream, which is in partnership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) in the Build & Soar program.

It matches students from the Construction and Aerospace & Aviation Specialist High Skills Majors programs at Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board with local employers in the construction, aerospace and aviation industry according to a press release.

The program also contains an eight-week placement with a local employer. It will also allow students to learn about flight training through flight simulators for students pursuing a career in the military or commercial pilot pathways.

“Ontario's trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government's 'Plan to Build’ offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Which is why having programs like the Build & Soar will set them on the path to success.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to applicants such as employers, industry associations, labour unions, municipalities, hospitals and more.

“Introducing youth to local employment opportunities is crucial, as it not only equips them with real-life work experience but also strengthens the community's economic fabric,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED president and CEO . “Local companies play a pivotal role in this process, offering invaluable mentorship and skill-building opportunities while simultaneously tapping into and nurturing the future workforce. By investing in young talent, these businesses contribute to a cycle of growth and innovation that benefits both the students and the broader community.”

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City of Peterborough Marks 20th Anniversary of the 2004 Flood

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 Flood, which devastated Peterborough, saw the City reflect and recognize the milestone at the Engage Engineering courtyard on Monday morning.

Sylvia Sutherland, Former Peterborough Mayor (left) with Jeff Leal, current Peterborough Mayor (right). Sutherland was the mayor during the flood while Leal was serving as the MPP. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since the incident, the City of Peterborough has made significant investments in flood mitigation and climate adaptation and discussed its progress at the event according to a press release.

The City has launched an interactive story map online to commemorate the anniversary and provide residents with an engaging way to learn about the 2004 Flood and subsequent investments in flood mitigation infrastructure.  

“I will never forget seeing the widespread damage across the city on July 15, 2004,” said Leal. “As a newly elected MPP I was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of Peterborough residents who were facing incredible adversity.   

On July 14 and 15, 2004, Peterborough received up to 220 mm of rain in nine hours. It consisted of 10 billion litres of rain which is equal to 9,615 filled Lift Locks and the same as two-and-a-half days of flow on the Otonabee River.

The resulting flooding caused substantial damage to municipal infrastructure and ruined basements in homes in town.

“What happened in the following days was inspirational; neighbours helped one another, volunteer organizations converged to help with recovery efforts and all levels of government provided support. The overwhelming support from emergency responders across the province allowed our community to recover faster than expected,” saidd Leal. “The 2004 Flood was a turning point in the City’s investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and today we are much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

The 2004 Flood served as a critical turning point in how the City of Peterborough addressed the inherent risks of flooding, putting the City on the pathway of long-term climate adaptation according to a press release.

They released a Flood Reduction Master Plan and identified the Central Area Flood Reduction project as a top priority. The project was completed last year with support from both the provincial and federal governments. 

The City says it used advanced technology to map flood-risk areas and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, including traditional stormwater infrastructure and natural infrastructure, such as trees, watercourses and wetlands.

The historical development of our City in flood-prone areas, combined with the increasing risk of high-intensity rainfall, means the City’s flood reduction journey is far from complete as stated in a press release.

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Peterborough Lakers Set to Face Owen Sound North Stars In Opening Playoff Round

The matchup for the Lakers’s first round of the playoffs is set as they are taking on the Owen Sound North Stars expected — but not officially confirmed — to begin at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The bracket was determined after the Cobourg Kodiaks defeated Owen Sound 14-9 on Sunday night. The loss locked the North Stars as the sixth seed.

Peterborough had locked down the third seed after defeating the Brampton Excelsiors 11-6 on Thursday ending with a 7-5 record. The Lakers sit behind the defending champion and undefeated Six Nations Chiefs and second-seeded Brooklin L.C.

The Lakers faced Owen Sound in a home-and-home series on June 22 and 25. Peterborough won both games by scores of 15-8 and 13-7 respectively.

The teams play a best-of-five series in the first round. The semifinals and finals are a best-of-seven.

The Chiefs, as the top seed, earn a first-round bye. Brooklin L.C. is paired with the seventh-place Brampton Excelsiors, while the fourth-place Cobourg Kodiaks play the fifth-place Oakville Rock.

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Two People Pronounced Dead After Being Discovered at Peterborough Trails

Two people have died suddenly near Peterborough trails as reported by the Peterborough Police Service this past weekend.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Around 7:10 p.m. on Saturday, officers discovered the body of a 35-year-old male near a trail in Park Street and Romaine Street area.

Around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, another body of a 24-year-old male was discovered near the east side of the London Street bridge.

Both bodies are under Coroner’s Investigation. Police suspect there is no foul play at this time.

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