Explore the City's Hidden Gems With Doors Open Peterborough This Saturday

Get ready to explore Peterborough's hidden secrets at Doors Open Peterborough 2024 on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doors Open Peterborough is funded by PACAC and is part of Doors Open Ontario, which is overseen by the Ontario Heritage Trust. Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Attendees can step behind the scenes of some of the city's most intriguing and historically significant buildings.

“Doors Open Peterborough has put together an amazing program this year,” said Stewart Hamilton, Doors Open Peterborough organizing committee chair and the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC). “If you’re interested in local history, if you love Peterborough’s arts and culture scene, or if local sports are your passion, you will find something special at this event. See what’s behind your local doors at Doors Open Peterborough 2024.”

For an interactive map and list of sites and guided tours, click here.

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Sixth Annual Peterborough VegFest Hits Millennium Park This Sunday

The sixth annual Peterborough VegFest’s will delight vegetarians and vegans at Millennium Park this Sunday from 11 pa.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event will have 25 food vendors showcasing the local restaurant community and other fantastic small businesses across Ontario.

According to a press release, the event will include a full afternoon of live local music, a kid’s zone, and more.

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Elementary School's Breakfast Club Gets Cooking After Donation of Two Ovens From Rotary Club of Peterborough

Prince of Wales’s Breakfast Club kicked off the school year on the right foot as they received two new ovens donated from the Rotary Club of Peterborough and unveiled on Tuesday morning.

Thea Chaput, Grade 6 (left); Camryn Chaput, Grade 5 (middle) and Sophie Bradley, Grade 7 (middle right) getting '“apple-loutely’ excited over the new overs with Colin Mackenzie, Rotary volunteer (Middle left) and Tommy Reburn of Leon’s Peterborough (right). Volunteers and Rotary Club members have been providing breakfast to the Prince of Wales students for nearly 30 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the ovens and the Rotary’s work during breakfast hours at the school.

The program feeds roughly over 500 children according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales principal.

“The School Nutrition Program has a major impact on the safety, well-being and belongingness of our students,” he said. “Many students use the breakfast program not only as a place to fill their tummies for the start of their day, but it is a place that students can use as a soft-start transition from home to school.”

At the end of the last school year, the ovens began to malfunction, making it difficult to prepare meals promptly and efficiently.

“Faces of trusted adults and the impact of our volunteers goes beyond the needs of just the healthy breakfasts and lunches that are provided,” said Conlin. “The staff and volunteers always have a lens of inclusivity which fosters an environment of food for some, food for all.”

Peterborough Rotarian of the Year and volunteer Catherine Hanrahan contacted her fellow Realtor colleague at Century 21 United, Tom Reburn, who also owns Leon’s. His company supplied, delivered, and installed them free of charge during the last week of August.

“Leon’s is well known as a great community supporter so I didn’t hesitate to reach out to my friend Tom to see if he could hook us up two new stoves and a microwave.” says Hanrahan.

One Prince of Wales student highlighted the club's importance and how having breakfast can positively impact a child’s learning experience.

“This year, as soon as I saw the first person go in the Breakfast Club doors, I went in as well. I was hungry and I didn’t have a chance to eat breakfast. At my old school we had plain oatmeal everyday. At POW we have a variety of foods. A couple of days ago we had eggs, hash browns, and cereal. If we have eggs three days in a row, they are always cooked differently. The program is really important to me because in the morning sometimes I can make myself a hot chocolate but most of the days I don’t have time. After I eat breakfast, it helps me to focus better at school. There are a lot of community volunteers and they are always treating us nicely and coming to our tables to ask us if we want more. I would love to volunteer because I love to cook. Today I helped a little girl make her yogurt more tasty by squeezing an orange into her yogurt like the adult volunteer showed us how to do. Another day I helped that girl’s little sister when she spilled her drink all over herself and the floor. Children from every grade can eat breakfast together, whether they can’t afford it, or they didn’t have time that day. That is why Breakfast Club is important to me and the rest of the school.”

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One City and GreenUP Get Planting at the Trinity Centre As Part of Green Infrastructure Initiative

GreenUP and One City Peterborough helped Trinity Centre become more in tune with nature by planting trees and other greenery over 75 sq.m. of lawn Tuesday morning.

Volunteers Eila Buziak (left) and Quentin Day (right) finish the planting of a pear tree as one of several species to occupy the Trinity Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project at One City is part of the Living Cities Program, an initiative by Green Communities Canada to help organizations aid their respective communities in green infrastructure projects.

The green infrastructure will increase the biodiversity of plants on the site, improve stormwater management, and increase access to food according to Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director.

“We are grateful to receive support from Green Communities Canada through the Living Cities Fund,” she said. “These funds allow us to work closely with equity-deserving communities to co-develop plans for green infrastructure that work for the community where they are planted.”

Moss adds that the green infrastructure will help to improve air quality and offer the opportunity for people to work together to build a stronger sense of community and belonging as they collectively care for the plants.

Volunteers moved soil, compost and mulch. They planted 20 trees which included apple, pear, peach, apricot, birch, black cherry and maple. Six currant and raspberry bushes were installed, as well as 94 other plants including New England aster, silverweed, swamp milkweed, switchgrass, brown fox sedge, blue flag iris, wild strawberry, yarrow, prairie smoke, and creeping thyme.

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Peterborough Police Service Officer Arrested and Charged With Mischief From Violence On Partner

A Peterborough Police Service officer was arrested and charged with mischief in an adjacent jurisdiction in connection with an intimate partner violence-related incident on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a result of the investigation, the officer was charged with:

• Mischief under $5000  

The accused was released on an undertaking and will appear in court in that jurisdiction.

The officer will be reassigned to administrative duties pending the conclusion of the criminal matter according to a press release. As per the provisions contained within the Community Safety and Policing Act, a professional standards misconduct investigation will take place at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

“I understand that we, the police, must earn the public’s trust and confidence each and every day, and although this matter is in no way related to the officers’ duties as a police officer, any time criminal charges are laid against an officer it may have an impact on that trust and confidence,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police chief. “Therefore, we ensure the public remains aware of such instances so as to demonstrate our commitment to holding ourselves accountable.”

In accordance with all procedures and to ensure the victim's privacy, Peterborough Police does not publish the name of any accused in an intimate partner-related incident unless there is a concern for public safety.

The Police are making no further comment at this time as stated in a press release.

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City of Peterborough Extends Splash Pad Season to Sept. 22

With warm temperatures in the forecast, the City of Peterborough is extending splash pads operations until Sept. 22.

File Photo.

They were originally scheduled to close for the season last Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our splash pad facilities for an extended season, providing families with more opportunities to cool down and have fun as our summer season winds down,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Gary Baldwin.

The City operates seven splash pads in parks, open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the following locations:

• King Edward Park at 455 George St. S.

• Nicholls Oval at 725 Armour Rd.

• Rogers Cove at 131 Maria St.

• Kinsmen Park at 1 Kinsmen Way

• Barnardo Park on Barnardo Avenue north of Sunset Boulevard

• Turner Park at the corner of Chamberlain and High streets

• Hamilton Park at 575 Bonaccord St.

• Water feature at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.

Splash pads are closed before the fall as temperatures tend to drop at night. The water systems, including the pipes, must be prepared to avoid freezing and damage through the cold weather between fall and spring.

Beaches at Beavermead Park and Rogers Cove are not supervised at this time. The City’s summer lifeguard program ended on Aug. 25. Residents are reminded to use extra caution around the water if visiting the beaches.

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Trent University Announces 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies

Trent University has appointed Dr. Holly M. Karibo from Oklahoma State University as the 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Karibo to Trent University” said Dr. Heather Nicol, School for the Study of Canada director. “Her expertise in transnational urban history and research on the Great Lakes Borderlands are perfectly aligned with Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary and cross-border academic exploration. Prof. Karibo’s work will enrich our understanding of historical dynamics and address contemporary issues that resonate across borders.”

Prof. Karibo’s research project, ‘Ladies, Liquor, and the National Line: Gendering Prohibition in the Great Lakes Borderlands,’ is the first in-depth study of women’s roles in cross-border illegal economies during the American Prohibition Era according to a press release. Her work focuses on regions connecting New York, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec and the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne as well as the often-overlooked roles of women in these smuggling networks. The release continues to state that by reframing Prohibition through the lenses of gender, race, and labour, Prof. Karibo introduces new perspectives to a traditionally male-dominated narrative.

As a Fulbright Scholar at Trent, Prof. Karibo will spend the fall semester conducting groundbreaking research on North American cross-border history concerning gender roles within illicit economies and will engage with the academic community through teaching and collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to begin my appointment at Trent University,” said Karibo. “The opportunity to explore Canadian archives and collaborate with Trent’s academic community will be invaluable in advancing this project. I look forward to unearthing the stories of women who reshaped societal norms and legal landscapes during the Prohibition era.”

Prof. Karibo will also teach the course “Sin Cities: Vice in the North American Borderlands,” examining illicit economies in the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. This interdisciplinary course will explore the regulation of vice economies and the gendered and racial experiences of those involved.

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Community Futures Launches Business Advisory Centre; Starter Company Plus Program Applications Open for Business Funding

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) expanded its services by launching its newly revamped Business Advisory Centre (BAC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Venture North Building on Monday afternoon.

The BAC, a part of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program, funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, was previously operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Rosalea Terry, recently named the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year and business and marketing professor at Fleming College, has been hired as the BAC manager. She is joined by Lindsey Irwin as the business advisor and is a leading marketing consultant and a professor at Fleming and Trent University.

The Business Advisory Centre offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining access to grants, microloans, top-tier advisors and specialized programs to support business growth, scaling and even selling according to a press release.

These resources and expertise make it a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“With the launch of the Business Advisory Centre, we're taking a significant step forward in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives both our city and county,” she said. “By bringing together top-tier talent like Rosalea Terry and Lindsey Irwin, we're ensuring our local businesses have access to the expertise, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. This Centre is not just a resource for entrepreneurs; it's a catalyst for economic growth across our entire region.”

CFP was assuming operations of the Business Advisory Centre that was announced in June. This enables them to provide small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to funding and advisory services in one location.

Services of the BAC include mentorship, expert consultations, advisory, grant programs, confidence coaching, workshops, masterminds and networking events, catering to businesses at all stages of growth, from early-stage startups to scaling enterprises.

In addition to the BAC’s launch, CFP has opened its applications to its Starter Company Plus program. It offers businesses the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding and ongoing support and mentorship to start or grow their ventures. Applications for the program are open until Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.

“We are incredibly confident in the team we've assembled to lead the Business Advisory Centre,: said Wayne Harding, CFP board chair. “We're empowering our community with the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in today's dynamic market. Community Futures Peterborough is the go-to for businesses and entrepreneurs and will undoubtedly bolster our local economy and create lasting opportunities for growth throughout the city and county.”

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Back-to-School Traffic Enforcement Numbers Released By Peterborough Police Service

The Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit conducted school zone and community zone traffic enforcement and education during the first week of back-to-school. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers attended several locations throughout the week in all three of their policing areas. These included Bensfort Drive and Collison Avenue; Hilliard Street and Marina Boulevard; Goodfellow Road and St. Mary’s Street in Peterborough; Sherbrooke Street and Longview Drive in the Township of Cavan-Monaghan and several locations in Lakefield.

Officers issued:  

• 35 Provincial Offence Notices

• Nine Warnings

• Two Part Three Summons - These require a court appearance and could result in increased penalties

Peterborough Police want to remind residents that in Peterborough, school zones have been dedicated as community safety zones, with lower speeds and increased penalties. 

Traffic complaints can be made to their Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 x289 or through the online reporting portal.

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Peterborough City U15G Complete the Three-Peat As Durham Region Soccer League League Champions

The Peterborough City U15 Girls of the Durham Region Soccer League (DRSL) have completed the three-peat, winning their third consecutive league title with an 8-0 rout on Thursday night.

Top Row (left to right: Assistant Coach: Nick Powers, Madelyn Gleeson, Bridgette Powers, Payton Rogers, Elaina Wilson, Head Coach: David Bartleman, Sydney Smith, Gabby Savoy, Brynne Bartleman, Danica Bennett, Assistant Coach: Nicole Plunkett

Bottom Row (Left to right): Charlotte Donaldson, Grace Plunkett, Nia Spence, Nora Staples, Ellie Lewington, Lily Elizebeth Papageorge, Kathryn Murphy, Allie Hamilton, Kylee Clarke.

Photo courtesy of David Bartleman.

Peterborough City needed at least a tie to clinch first place. 

Grace Plunkett had a whopping five goals to lead the team. Danica Bennett, Madelyn Gleeson and Elaina Wilson also found the scoresheet by netting a goal apiece. Goalkeeper Bridgette Powers had a clean sheet for the shutout.

After winning two straight Durham Region Soccer League titles, the Peterborough City U15 Girls entered this season playing for a year in the U16 girls division for an increased challenge higher competition level.

The team finished the season undefeated with 13 wins and three draws. The girls lead an offensive juggernaut with a league-leading 87 goals while conceding 10 goals. Plunkett led the league with 27 goals and Ellie Lewington tied as league leader with six shutouts alongside Sophie Canakis-McLauchlan of Whitby FC.

Next year, the team plans to enter the Ontario Soccer iModel League according to a press release.

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