Harmony for Healing Announces Second Benefit Concert ‘Wish You Were Here' For Suicide and Mental Health Awareness

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Harmony for Healing has announced the return of its annual event, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ a benefit concert dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, announced at The El(P) on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Ellen Watkins CMHA HKPR CEO; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Tracy Graham, CMHA HKPR Director of Programs and Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The concert is part of Harmony for Healing’s goal of raising $50,000 over five years to provide critical mental health resources. It will be held on Feb. 20 at Market Hall Performing Centre and is meant to transport people back to the sounds of the 1970s.

The goal is to raise at least $10,000 to support the life-saving Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program.

“I've ran hundreds of events and there's always community support on some level but for Harmony for Healing last year and then again this year, the amount of people that jump on (not just the support, the cause and the initiative) have their own stories to share is really what thrives an event like this,” said Phillip Jolicouer, Harmony for Healing founder. “Businesses and supports can align themselves with mental health because we're all dealing with it so it means a lot to me more than just the financial aspect.”

Last year's sold-out concert, ‘Spirit In the Sky’ raised $13,500 on Feb. 22 at Market Hall Performing Centre.

Joilcouer says this year, he wanted to amplify his mission through a four-pillar approach.

His four pillars of impact approach are as follows:

  1. Awareness: Shedding light on mental health challenges and suicide prevention through personal stories and signs to watch for.

  2. Prevention: Empowering our community with tools to foster mental resilience, strengthen support networks, and promote access to mental health resources.

  3. Intervention: Sharing guidance on what to do when someone is in immediate crisis, including local support options and crisis hotlines.

  4. Post-Vention: Supporting survivors and those impacted by suicide through grief counselling, support groups, and outreach.

Jolicouer’s mother had unexpectedly taken her own life on Nov. 30 and the series of shows is a tribute to her memory.

“My mom loved people. She loved local music and music in general,” explained Jolicouer. “You could see her front row in any of the local venues around town so my connection to her with this was to make a local event to hire local musicians, put on a phenomenal rock concert that I could picture my mom where I could picture her up front dancing and enjoying herself and bringing a message that you're not alone. I want to spread that as loud as possible and through music.”

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Kawartha Downs Announces New Harness Racing Manager

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Jim Huck is out as Kawartha Downs’s harness racing manager as the racetrack has given Lindsay Bax the new role, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Jim for his dedicated service and leadership in Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs,” according to a press release statement.

Bax has spent several decades in the harness racing industry and hails from a well-known racing family.

“We’re excited to welcome Lindsay to the team and look forward to her vision for the future of harness racing here,” said Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs president. “Her experience and dedication make her a fantastic fit for this role, and we’re confident she’ll continue to build on the strong foundation Jim has established.”

“I’m thrilled to join Kawartha and work alongside such a passionate team. This track holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to connecting with our racing community and enhancing the experience for both fans and participants,” said Bax. In 2025, Kawartha Downs Harness Racing will return to Saturday nights with an exciting year of programming in the works.

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Women Charged With Break and Enter And Stealing Items From a Downtown Business

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A 37-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges in connection with a break-and-enter at a Peterborough business on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3 a.m., officers were alerted to an alarm at the business on Simcoe Street near Water Street.  Officers noticed the front door was open, conducted a building search but found no one inside the building. 

After an investigation and video surveillance, officers obtained a description of the suspect. Shortly after, they located a woman matching that description outside a nearby building. She was taken into custody without incident. Several items taken from the business were found during a search after her arrest and returned to the owner.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence (theft)

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

  • Failure to comply with probation X2

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

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

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Clarington Trustee Re-elected for Third Term As PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

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Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2024-2025 term during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie has been a trustee since 2018. He previously served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 before being appointed chairperson for the 2022-2023 term.

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also re-elected vice-chairperson for a third consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 as an appointee and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

For Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst, the meeting marked three years since her November 2021 appointment to the Board. Durst was re-elected during the October 2022 municipal election.

Tuesday’s annual meeting marked the two-year milestone for trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland), all of whom were elected in 2022. 

This annual meeting also marked the second for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to the Board in September 2023.

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David Tuan Bui


City's Waste Management Calendar Available For Pickup

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The City of Peterborough’s annual 2025 Waste Management Calendar is available for pickup at City Hall, 500 George St. N., at the customer service desk in the City Hall lobby.

File Photo.

The calendar can also be viewed online or downloaded.

The Waste Management Calendar highlights curbside collection dates, information for Green Bin, garbage and yard waste and information about the City-County Landfill and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot.

Residents can also download the City of Peterborough waste collection app from their app store. The app allows users to search their home addresses to find specific information on:

  • Waste collection days

  • View, download or print the Waste Collection calendar

  • See any pickup changes due to holidays

  • Sign up for automatic notices of changes

  • Get notified of weather delays

  • Sign up for weekly reminders and service alerts

  • Add a schedule to their personal calendar

The City would also like to remind residents that the final week for curbside yard waste collection service will be Nov. 26 to 29.

Residents are reminded that in late fall, when temperatures drop below freezing, yard waste can freeze, sticking to the sides of bins and causing issues with collection.

To ensure full pickup of yard waste, residents should consider disposing of it in bags to avoid partially frozen material being left in a bin after collection.

The curbside yard waste collection program resumes in April.

Yard waste is accepted year-round at the Peterborough landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. in Otonabee-South Monaghan. Fees will apply.

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Graffiti Vandalizes Several Peterborough Businesses Along Lansdowne Street

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Several businesses on Lansdowne Street between Lock Street and River Road South were discovered vandalized with graffiti on Tuesday morning.

Del Mastro RV Centre, Mattress Outlet and More and Bruiser Automotive Tire were confirmed businesses on Lansdowne Street with the same graffiti tag.

Del Mastro RV Centre had its side exterior wall and front sign vandalized.

“This is no way to start your day. Peterborough is not the city I grew up in or worked to make stronger, it's a mess (Hello City Council),” said Dean Del Mastro, Del Mastro RV Centre owner in a Facebook post. “What exactly would anyone get out of defacing someone else's property? People need to take pride in themselves and respect their community or they need to be taught to do so.”

Jay Quinn of Bruiser Automotive and Tire also confirmed that his business fell victim to graffiti artists in the same Facebook thread from McNabb’s original post. Earlier this month, the business was subject to vandalism, with its glass front door being smashed (but not broken apart).

According to Dean Porter, owner of Mattress Outlet and More, this kind of graffiti was not the first time it had occurred at the store. He believes the incident occurred on Monday night.

“They got my business again—the fourth time in the last two weeks,” said Porter in a Facebook post. “I'm getting tired of cleaning it and then the next day, they do it again. This time, they got at least six different businesses along Landsdowne Street. I have seen the same type of spray painting on different businesses all over Peterborough.”

Porter mentioned that Currie Tire and Peterborough Bearings & Drives were also graffitied but this has yet to be confirmed.

Access Storage on High Street was hit with a different pattern of vandalism; however, it is unknown if the vandalism is related to the ones on Lansdowne Street.

Amanda McNabb, Access Storage site manager, disclosed camera footage of the incident on a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. The video shows that three suspects were involved. One smashed a spray can that went everywhere after the graffiti was tagged.

“I went and got graffiti remover because I couldn’t have that on my building for long,” she said in a Facebook comment. Just wanna know who it is.”

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David Tuan Bui


Lakefield Farmers’ Market's Annual Holiday Market Runs On Dec. 1

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The Lakefield Farmers’ Market invites everyone to shop local and celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market held at the parking lot beside The Village Inn in Lakefield on Dec. 1.

Locally made gits from Otonabee Apiary. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

The market will contain a variety of local products, including freshly backed goods, knitwear, VQA wines, local meats, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, handmade dog treats, prepared meals nd more.

“Our Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition, and we’re thrilled to host it again this year,” said Stacey Sullivan, Market Manager. “It’s a great opportunity for customers to visit their favourite vendors, find unique holiday gifts and since it’s on a Sunday, it’s perfect for those who can’t attend our regular Thursday market.”

Participating vendors include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Buns & Sweets, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, La Mesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Otonabee River Crat Co., Ontario Cheese Union, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Doggery, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps, and Yellow House Bees & Otonabee Apiary (Vendor list subject to change).

The Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

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Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be held rain, snow, or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last three ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.” 

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds can be used to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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Peterborough Man Wanted on Seven Warrants Arrested

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A 37-year-old Peterborough man wanted on seven warrants is in custody after he was spotted by an officer on general patrol Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 p.m., officers with the Community FIRST Unit spotted the man. He was wanted on seven charges of theft under $5,000 and nine charges related to failing to comply with probation in the area of Lansdowne Street and The Parkway. 

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrants and is being held in custody.  The accused will appear in court on Tuesday

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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City of Peterborough Provides Update On Brealey Drive Construction

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Brealey Drive between Lansdowne Street West and Mapleridge Drive has reopened to through traffic as progress continues on the major infrastructure project.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and water mains, as well as installing a multi-use trail, street lighting, sidewalks, cycling lanes, and rebuilding the road.

The complete project along Brealey Drive from Lansdowne Street to Sherbrooke Street is divided into two phases. Phase 1, which started in the spring of 2024, focuses on the section between Lansdowne Street and Mapleridge Drive. Phase 2, which encompasses the section from Mapleridge Drive to Sherbrooke Street, is scheduled for the 2025 construction season.

The reopening following Phase 1 construction includes temporary exceptions. The northbound on-road cycling lane and the east sidewalk will remain closed until the signalized intersection is activated this winter.

The major infrastructure project along Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke Streets has a budget of $20.7 million.

The construction includes:

  • Replacing storm sewers

  • Replacing sanitary sewers

  • Replacing watermains

  • New street lighting

  • New concrete curb and gutters

  • New concrete sidewalk on the east side of Brealey Drive

  • Building a new off-street, multi-use trail on the west side of Brealey Drive

  • On-street cycling lanes

  • Implementation of traffic signals at Cherryhill Road, Kawartha Heights Boulevard, and Hewitt Drive, with enhanced cycling and pedestrian crossing facilities as well as turning lanes to enhance all traffic movements and corridor efficiency at these intersections

  • Restoration of boulevards

  • Signage, landscaping, and pavement markings

  • Rebuilding the roadway granular base and the asphalt roadway

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