City of Peterborough Appoints New Municipal Operations Commissioner

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The City of Peterborough has appointed Ilmar Simanovskis as the new Commissioner of Municipal Operations effective Oct. 15., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

City Council approved the appointment of Simanovskis, based on the recommendation of Chief Administrative Officer Jasbir Raina, during its meeting on Monday.

Simanovskis has over 30 years of experience in construction, design, engineering, and public administration, gained from both public and private sector roles according to a press release. It continues to state that he has focused on working closely with diverse teams, stakeholders and community members to deliver successful programs and services that meet the needs of the communities he has served.

“As a member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team, I look forward to being part of the City’s culture of innovation in the delivery of municipal services that align with Peterborough’s vision for environmental sustainability, social well-being, and efficient operations,” said Simanovskis. “I am excited to join the City of Peterborough and to work alongside such a dedicated team. My focus will be on leading and supporting the strategic service delivery needs of the community that not only address current challenges but also prepare us for the future. Together, we will continue to improve the quality of municipal services, ensuring that our city remains a great place to live, work and grow.”

In this new role, Simanovskis will be responsible for the Municipal Operations Department, which encompasses Public Works, Environmental Services, Transit, and the Peterborough Airport according to the City. These departments play vital roles in the city's day-to-day operations.

Simanovskis joins the City from Civica Infrastructure, a private-sector engineering and infrastructure asset management firm, where he served as vice president of the project Portfolio. He also has extensive experience in municipal government, including working as the Commissioner of Community Services in Richmond Hill, the Director of Engineering Services in Oshawa and the Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services in Aurora.

"On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I am excited to welcome Mr. Simanovskis as our new Commissioner of Municipal Operations,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “His leadership and experience will be key in driving forward our goals for efficient and effective municipal operations. We look forward to the positive impact Ilmar will have on our community, ensuring that we continue to provide high-quality services to our residents.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Ilmar to our senior leadership team as the Commissioner of Municipal Operations. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service that aligns perfectly with Council’s vision for the City of Peterborough,” said Chief Administrative Officer Jasbir Raina. “Our Municipal Operations team delivers many of the core services that residents interact with every day. They are front-line leaders and brand ambassadors for our community. We are confident that Ilmar's expertise will be invaluable in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our municipal operations, ultimately benefitting all our residents.”

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Peterborough Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Teen For Hitting Someone With a Hammer For a Sweater

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A 17-year-old Peterborough male is facing several charges after striking someone with a hammer during an incident Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 10:15 p.m., officers were called to a residence in the Brock Street and Aylmer Street area regarding a dispute between two males who knew each other. 

A male had struck another male in the head with a hammer and demanded his sweater before fleeing the area. The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment. Officers located the teen, who matched the description several blocks away and took him into custody.  During a search after the arrest, officers seized a sweater and a hammer. 

The teen was arrested and charged with:

  • Robbery with Weapon

  • Assault with a Weapon

  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

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

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Peterborough Petes Reassign Two Players Ahead of 2024-25 Season

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The Peterborough Petes have reassigned defenceman Dylan Woulds to the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL and released forward Nathan Leek who will join the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL, announced on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Woulds, a 2006-born defenceman, was initially selected by the Petes in the 14th round, 269th overall, in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He played 45 games for the Petes last season getting one assist. Woulds will report to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Calgary Canucks, who are hosting the 2025 Centennial Cup.

“With Calgary hosting the Centennial Cup, Dylan will have the opportunity to get regular playing time in a competitive environment this season to continue his development,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We will continue to monitor his progress throughout the year.”

Leek, a 2005-born forward, was selected by the Petes in the first round, 11th overall, of the 2023 OHL U18 Priority Selection. He featured in three games for the Petes last season, before joining the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL. He finished the season with the Leamington Flyers of the OJHL, scoring 19 points in 24 games. Leek will join the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s Charlottetown Islanders ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“With the season coming up quick, we’ve had to make some more difficult decisions,” commented Oke. “We wish Nathan all the best as he continues his career with Charlottetown in the QMJHL.”

The Petes are back in action on Saturday to host the Guelph Storm at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre in Millbrook. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Petes official YouTube page.

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Photos: Aon Inc's Peterborough Petes Support Rally Had Fans Partying In a Team Meet and Greet

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Prior to the team’s home opener, the Peterborough Petes had a meet and greet with fans at AON Inc’s support rally held at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Saturday afternoon.

The event featured vendors, autograph sessions, raffles, a kids’ table and food including a donut bar. Fans could meet and interact with the Petes and their mascot, Roger while participating in all the event’s activities.

The Petes have their home opener against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sept. 26.

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Season Opens With the Largest Season In History

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The Kinsmen Minor Football League kicked off the largest season in League history this past Saturday at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School.

KMFL President Bryan Junkin addressing a record number of players during the Senior Evaluation Night. Photo courtesy of KMFL

The was between the Senior Argonauts and Roughriders. Hayden Phair for the Roughriders took a long run to score a TD on the game’s first play. Late int he game, Max Ytsma intercepted a pass in the Argos endzone and returned it for a pick six to tie until the final buzzer.

The Junior Division games kicked off at 11am with the RedBlacks defeating the TiCats 28-6. Easton Schenk (two touchdowns), AJ Galloway and Cody Laurant scored for the RedBlacks. Schecnk and Galloway also added a convert each. Tai Scott scored the touchdown for the TiCats.

The second Junior game was a high scoring game with the Roughriders defeating the Argos 44-36. Alex Ward, Reid Graham and Brycen Moore all scored two touchdowns for the Argos. Mason Earnshaw (two touchdowns), Jacob Cahorn (three touchdowns) and Cameron Yanuziello scored touchdowns for the Roughriders. Cahorn also made four converts.

The final game saw the Senior RedBlacks defeat the TiCats 45-6. Levi Paige (three touchdowns), Brock Hendren (three touchdowns) and Brody Munnings scored touchdowns for the RedBlacks. Munnings also converted two converts. Harrison Anchor scored the lone touchdown for the TiCats.

Former Peterborough Wolverine and Winnipeg Blue Bomber of the CFL, Owen Hubert, made an appearance. Hubert grew up in Norwood and was home for his bye week. He signed autographs, pictures and to chat with the young players about his football journey.

Next weeks action starts at 9 a.m. at TASS with the Argos facing the RedBlacks and the TiCats taking on the Roughriders.

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The Basketball Antics of the Harlem Globetrotters Return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Feb. 5

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The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their world-famous basketball antics to the Peterborough Memorial Centre to take on their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, on Feb. 5, announced on Monday.

Facebook Photo.

See the trick-shot stars of basketball, bringing their signature spins, dunks and slams to the court as they showcase their superstars’ skills and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism.

Players go head-to-head in an exhilarating battle of skills featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots and more.

Fan engagement continues with pre-game offerings such as the Magic Pass with post-game access and more in-game fan interactions.

Tickets go on sale on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. online. PMC Scoop members will have access to presale tickets online on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. and in-person for Sept. 29 at 10 p.m.

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Teenager Dies After Being Struck By a Vehicle

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Peterborough Police Service continues to investigate a fatal collision as a 17-year-old male died early Saturday morning. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3 a.m., officers were called to the area of North Monaghan Parkway and Dobbin Road after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a pedestrian who was struck. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and provided first aid until first responders arrived. The 17-year-old Township of Cavan-Monaghan male was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre where he succumbed to his injuries.

The road was closed for about eight hours while the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit collision reconstruction unit 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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Coldwell Banker, Jeff Thrift Store, Trent University and Peterborough Humane Society

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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…

There’s a new addition to Peterborough’s real estate landscape: Coldwell Banker Electric Realty.

They are an independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker franchise, offering a unique perspective to the local market. Their mission is to seamlessly connect agents and consumers within a thriving digital ecosystem. They provide agents with a cutting-edge platform, world-class coaching, and training in an A.I.-friendly environment. For consumers, they aim to be a gateway to exceptional real estate experiences backed by global brand recognition. Drop by their office at 215 George St. N. in Peterborough or find them online at cbelectricrealty.ca.

There’s a new store in downtown Peterborough. Jeff Thrift Store recently opened at 425 George St. N.

Jeff’s has a bit of a different approach by selling clothing based on weight. The store offers an affordable and sustainable alternative for getting designer fashion at discount prices, offering both clothing and accessories. They offer new, used, and liquidation overstock items. Drop by and find some fashionable new outfits.

Looking to sharpen your business and non-profit skills?

Trent University has worked with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, KLCFDC and LAUNCH Kawartha to develop two new micro credential programs. Business Essentials and Strategies is an introductory course that explains essential concepts and provides strategies on how to apply them effectively in the workplace. Nonprofit Management Essentials is a timely initiative designed to equip nonprofit professionals with critical management skills. Contact Trent University for more information.

Looking to head somewhere warm this winter?

The Peterborough Humane Society has a ‘ruff’le prize for you. They just launched their second iteration of this popular contest and the grand prize is a $5,000 travel voucher from Marlin Travel Peterborough. Their first 50/50 ‘ruff’le ran this spring and reached a total jackpot of $43,615. Get your tickets by Sept. 25, and you’ll be entered into the $500 early bird draw. Tickets are available until Oct. 15 and you can get them at phs5050.ca. 

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AON Inc's Station Place Long-Term Care Home In Havelock With Construction Ahead of Schedule; Company Seeking 140 Staff Members For Training and Hire

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Construction for AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock is ahead of schedule and is expecting project completion for the summer of next year, announced on Friday morning.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 9 last year was projected to be completed by September next year. However, with hard work and fortunate circumstances, completion has been bumped up to be finished by summer next year, according to Ray Barlow, AON Inc. vice president.

“Our construction team is doing extraordinary,” he explained. The weather's been on our side, the crews' been working well, the contractors are working well together and when you have cooperation, you get a lot of done quickly.”

AON Inc. gave the media and dignitaries a tour of the facility of the 128-bed long-term care home while providing updates on the building’s progress. Dignitaries included Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township mayor.

The long-term care home is part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028 along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province according to Smith.

“The residents of Havelock have been waiting a long time for the build of this long-term care home,” he said in a prior interview. “Our government has made commitments to get long-term care homes built in this province and today proves we are doing just that.”

The approximate 86,355 sq ft. site is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

The home will have dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces with 128 beds available. The building will employ over 140 staff (both full-time and part-time), whereas AON Inc. seeks prospective employees immediately for training.

“We have time to help get people training they need and we also have a PSW training program in place that's 100 per cent paid for so when you finish the program, you will have a job at Station Place,” explained Barlow.

Career applications for AON Inc’s Station Place long-term care home can be found online.

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Goodfellow Road and Stornoway Place to Undergo Road Resurfacing Starting No Earlier Than Monday

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The City of Peterborough is planning road resurfacing of Goodfellow Road and Stornoway Place beginning the week of Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Contractor is tentatively scheduled to mobilize to the location starting Monday and expected to be completed by the late Fall.

The scope of work generally includes the installation/adjustment of select frames, covers and grates, minor curb removal, curb re-installations, milling of existing asphalt, application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, placement of top lift asphalt, and application of pavement markings on Goodfellow Road from Clonsilla Avenue to Chamberlain Street, Goodfellow Road from Sherbrooke Street to Talwood Drive and all of Stornoway Place.

To facilitate the work, traffic will experience lane shifts and, at times, will be reduced to one lane in each direction. As a result, it is expected that local traffic may experience delays within the construction limits.

The City has awarded the above noted project to Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.

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