Peterborough County to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Douro Park On Sept. 1

Peterborough County is celebrating Douro Park’s 50th anniversary which marks five decades of preserving natural beauty and providing a space for community engagement on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. at 205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Since 1974, the Park has been a cherished destination for residents and visitors as stated in a press release. With 151 acres, Douro Park lines both banks of the beautiful Indian River. It contains baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground and picnic areas and scenic landscapes.

The anniversary event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including:

• Welcome remarks from local officials and park advocates reflecting on the park's history and impact

“Douro Park has been a vital part of our community for 50 years, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Mayor Heather Watson. “This event is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward and continuing to protect and enhance this beautiful space for future generations.” "The celebration will also highlight upcoming initiatives aimed at improving park facilities and promoting long-term ecological health." Community members are encouraged to participate and share their memories of Douro Park over the years.

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Havelock's Plato Creek Bridge to Be Closed For Construction Starting Next Week Monday

Havelock’s Plato Creek Bridge is being closed to all traffic for construction starting next Monday and continuing until Sept. 30, announced by Peterborough County on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The bridge is located on the 6th Line in Township of Havelock Belmont Methuen,

The bridge will be closed to allow for the installation of new steel beam guide rails, concrete approach slabs, and a new asphalt-wearing surface.

During this period, the bridge will be closed entirely to all traffic.

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Peterborough Petes Add Athletic Therapist Ahead of Training Camp

The Peterborough Petes have added athletic therapist Sarah McGall to the hockey operations staff ahead of training camp for the 2024-25 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Owen Sound native has served as an athletic therapist for several teams such as the Owen Sound Jr. B Northstars Lacrosse Team, Owen Sound Rugby Club, the Kingston Jr. Ice Wolves and various Team Ontario hockey teams.

Most recently, she was the assistant athletic therapist and strength and conditioning coach for the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. She has also been a registered physical therapist with CONNECT Rehabilitation in Owen Sound since November of 2020.

“Sarah is an experienced athletic therapist with a great resume,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We think that she’s a good fit for our staff and we’re looking forward to having her at the rink this season.”

McGall has played Division 1 NCAA hockey at Lindenwood University and is no stranger to hockey. Since 2021, she has been a goalie instructor in her hometown. She has also worked for several Championship teams, winning the Centennial Cup in 2024 and Buckland Cup in back-to-back years (2023 & 2024) with the Collingwood Blues. She was also at the Canada Winter Games Gold with Team Ontario in 2023 on a team featuring current Petes Carson Cameron and Nico Addy.

The Petes congratulate two training staff members who have added their families in the past month. Athletic therapist Natasha Lagacé and her husband, TJ Jarvis, welcomed their son, Grayson, while assistant therapist and chiropractor Dr. Chelsea McQuade and her fiancé Cam Walker welcomed their daughter, Isla.

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Two Peterborough Teens Charged In Hate Bias Incident From Early August Police Say

Two Peterborough teens are facing assault and harassment charges from an incident earlier this month.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Aug. 6, officers were called to the Spillsbury Drive and Sir Sandford Fleming Drive area and learned that a woman had been followed off the bus by two teens, was spat on. With the help of video, officers could identify the two suspects through investigation. One suspect was recently arrested and charged in an incident at the end of July. 

As a result of the investigation:

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested on Aug. 7 and charged with:

• Assault

• Criminal Harassment – Threatening conduct

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court Aug. 8.

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested on Aug. 18, 2024, and charged with:

• Criminal Harassment - threatening conduct

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 25.

The police have classified this incident as a hate bias incident.

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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David Wilcox Peterborough Musicfest Concert Rescheduled to Wednesday After Saturday Cancellation

Following last Saturday’s unexpected weather conditions and power outage, Peterborough Musicfest has rescheduled the David Wilcox concert for this Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Wilcox made the following statement on his social media account regarding the cancellation:

“We are heartbroken. Yesterday afternoon thunderstorms knocked the power out at the Peterborough Musicfest and we couldn't play. Many of our friends were there and we got to say hello to some of them. We're hoping to come back as soon as possible to rock out with you. Can't wait!”

This is the final concert for Musicfest for the season.

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Peterborough Brothers Take Home Titles At Humminbird Bassmaster Elite Championship

Peterborough’s Chris and Cory Johnston went hook, line and sinker to win some prestigious titles at the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y. on Sunday.

Cory (left) becomes the third Canadian to have three Bassmaster Championships. Chris (right) is the first Canadian to win a Bassmaster Elite Series Event. Photo courtesy of Andy Crawford, Seigo Saito and Bassmaster.

Chris won the 2024 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title while brother Cory claimed first place in the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite tournament.

Chris placed 31st place after day one of the tournament on Friday. While the placement was disappointing, it was still a win in the bigger picture that clinched the Angler of the Year title.

“I might have one trick up my sleeve still,” said Chris. “I haven’t practiced it. I’m just going to wing it. I have nothing to lose now. I can fish with no pressure. I know there’s big ones that live there. I hope the wind makes them bite a little better.”

His ‘strategy’ paid off as he weighed his lot of 29 lbs., 5 ozs – the biggest five-bass limit of the tournament so far – that clinched the title.

“You have no idea how much stress I was under the last couple of days,” said Chris. “Everything that could have gone wrong did. A couple of nights, I didn’t get to sleep until like one in the morning.

Cory was the first Canadian to win the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite with his haul of fish totaling 102 lbs., beating out Robert Gee, who had 100 lbs. and 7 oz.

“It was a lot of hard work; I put a lot of time into this,” said Cory. “I’ve said it 100 times, this is my favourite place to come, this is my favourite crowd with all my family and friends, all the Canadian support — and it’s a short drive home.”

Cory cycled throughout the standings during the four-day event. He placed fourth on Day One with 25 pounds, and on Day Two, he added 27 lbs. 7 oz. to tie Gee for second. On Semifinal Saturday, Johnston weighed 24 lbs. 14 oz. and slipped back to second, 13 ounces behind Gee.

On Championship Sunday, Johnson came through, delivering 24 lbs. 11 oz. for the win. The victory earned Cory his second entry into the Bassmaster Century Club, recognizing an angler for catching 100 pounds or more with four days of five-bass limits.

“I screwed up here last year and spent too much time in the river the first day and blew my chances at winning,” said Cory. “I said, ‘I’ll never make a cast in this river again. I don’t care if there are 12-footers in the lake.’”

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Matthew Jenken From Flint Firebirds For Three Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes make their first trade ahead of the 2024-25 season, acquiring defenceman Matthew Jenken from the Flint Firebirds for a sixth-round pick in 2026, a third-round pick in 2028 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2027 (Windsor), announced on Monday.

Jenken is the second player from Ilderton on the Petes roster, joining second year defenceman Liam Ladds. Photo courtesy of Natalie Shaver and the PEterborough Petes.

The 6’4” 2005-born defender was initially selected by the Firebirds in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2022 U18 Priority Selection. In two seasons with Flint, the Ilderton, Ont. native played 108 games with three goals and 20 assists for 23 points. A right-handed shot, Jenken appeared in the playoffs in both OHL seasons, playing 10 games.

“Matthew is a big, puck-moving defenceman who is solid in his own end,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He had a breakout season last year with 18 points, showing that he can help out offensively while still being a responsible defenceman. He’s a great addition to our group as we gear up for training camp and the 2024-25 season.”

The trade is the Petes' first before their preseason, which begins on Sept. 1 at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope.

Peterborough’s full 2024 preseason schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 1 - Niagara @ Peterborough - 2:05 p.m. (Jack Burger Sports Complex - Port Hope)

• Sept. 6 - Peterborough @ Guelph - 7:07 p.m.

• Sept. 8 - Sudbury @ Peterborough - 3:05 p.m. (Asphodel Norwood Community Centre - Norwood)

• Sept. 20 - Peterborough @ Kingston - 7:00 p.m.

• Sept. 21 - Guelph @ Peterborough - 7:05 p.m. (Cavan Monaghan Community Centre - Millbrook)

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City of Peterborough to Meet With Provincial Government to Discuss Priority Issues

Peterborough City Council members will meet with provincial government representatives during the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa until Wednesday to discuss priority issues for Peterborough.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The City of Peterborough requested five delegations with ministry representatives, and all five were accepted. Mayor Jeff Leal and portfolio co-chairs from Council will meet with the Attorney General, the Minister of Sport, the Associate Minister of Housing and Parliamentary Assistants from the Ministries of Finance and Infrastructure in five separate meetings.

“The City of Peterborough is thankful for the strong, collaborative relationships we have with the provincial and federal governments,” said Leal. “The AMO conference is an opportunity to connect directly, face-to-face with our provincial counterparts to both thank them for their critical support for our community and ask for additional opportunities to partner. We appreciate the efforts from Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and his office in assisting us in our advocacy efforts.”

As the Chair of the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC), Leal will also participate in delegations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to call for supportive housing and treatment for citizens requiring mental health and addictions support that is OHIP accessible and closer to home for the citizens of Eastern Ontario.

Municipal representatives from across the province gather each year at the AMO conference to discuss municipal issues and 2,500 are expected to attend this year. The conference is also an important opportunity for municipalities to meet directly with their provincial counterparts outside of the broader AMO conference activities.

The City has requested delegations with provincial representatives to discuss topics including:

• Modernizing the municipal fiscal framework to reduce the burden on property taxpayers

• Continued support of homelessness and supportive housing programs

• Housing-enabling infrastructure

• The new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

• A strategy for the allocation of judicial resources for the Provincial Offences Courts

Council members also plan to personally thank the provincial government for supporting the Canadian Canoe Museum and for its assistance through the Homelessness Prevention Program.

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Peterborough Teenager Facing Impaired Driving Charges While Hitting a Parked Vehicle

A 17-year-old Peterborough male is facing several vehicular charges after an incident early Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 a.m., officers were called to the area of Penrose Avenue and Sherbrooke Street after a report of a hit-and-run to a parked vehicle. Officers located two vehicles with extensive damage and a license plate that did not belong to either vehicle. Officers attended the residence attached to the plate and located a vehicle with front-end damage. They learned that the vehicle had been taken without permission and that the driver was not licensed. While officers were speaking to the driver, they also noticed signs of impairment.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent

• Failure to comply with undertaking

• Drive motor vehicle - no licence (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to remain (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking with the following conditions: to remain in their residence between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 25.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Wildflower Bakery, Sidewalk Sale, Business Excellence Awards and Habitat for Humanity ReStore

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…

Are you interested in owning a local bakery?

Wildflower Bakery in Havelock is up for sale. This is an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to buy their very own well-appointed bakery and café business with a great reputation. The owners are hoping to find someone to carry on what they’ve built. In the meantime, it’s business as usual as they continue baking amazing treats. Wildflower Bakery features hand-crafted organic bread and European-style pastries. Drop by 4 Oak St. in Havelock to try some delicious baked goods.

A correction to last week’s Business Beat – the downtown Peterborough end of summer sidewalk sale and block party is August 31.

Head downtown on the last Saturday in August to get some deals and find something unique. George Street will be closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets to make for a pedestrian-friendly area with some live music, giving it that block party feel. Get more info at theboro.ca.

The finalists are in for the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

The annual awards publicly acknowledge and honour local businesses and business leaders in our community who go above and beyond. While the shortlist of finalists is out, recipients will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Oct. 29. The evening starts with a pre-show party at The Venue at 5:45 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. at Showplace. Get your tickets at pkexcellence.ca.

The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lakefield is officially open! The new Lakefield location provides Selwyn and the surrounding area with a spot to shop for great deals and donate previously enjoyed furniture and building products. Proceeds from the ReStore play a crucial role for Habitat for Humanity by covering the organization’s operating costs, ensuring all donations go straight to local housing projects. Habitat have been busy building, including recent developments at Leahy’s Lane Phase 1 and 2, providing 53 local families and individuals the opportunity to become homeowners. Help fund local affordable homebuilding projects by dropping by the ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Road.

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