In From the Cold Benefit Concert For Yes Shelter To Bring 25th Edition to Market Hall On Dec. 6 and 7

In From The Cold celebrates its 25th anniversary by bringing two nights of music as a benefit concert for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 6 and 7, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of YES Shelter.

Proceeds from the concert will directly benefit the YES Shelter for Youth and Families. For over 30 years, the shelter has provided emergency shelter, housing, and support services to youth and families in Peterborough. Its mission is to offer a safe, supportive environment for individuals in need, helping them navigate difficult times and work toward a brighter future.

The concert has a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs. This year’s concert will feature three local groups:

• Carried Away: an acoustic string and vocal band known for their unique interpretations of holiday classics.

• Convivio Chorus: a dynamic choral group that will fill the hall with beautiful, heartwarming harmonies.

• Curtis Driedger: a talented singer-songwriter whose soulful performance will add a personal touch to the evening.

“I’m just so happy that 25 years later, our performers still want to do the show and that people still want to come and share our musical experience and support YES together,” said John Hoffman, In From the Cold founder. “On a deeply personal note, the thing I really love about In From the Cold is that each year we find new, interesting, and beautiful music that I’m excited to work on and perform. That keeps me feeling young. Each year, when I walk out on that stage, I feel like a kid again.”

Tickets are available for purchase at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, by phone at (705) 749-1146 or at emailing boxoffice@markethall.org. Prices range from $29 - $34. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the concert running from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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Standard & Poor’s Maintains AA+ Credit Rating For City of Peterborough

Standard & Poor’s has maintained the City of Peterborough’s credit rating at “AA+” with a stable outlook in its recently released credit report on the municipality.

Standard & Poor’s is a financial services company that offers services including credit ratings, data analysis and equity research to both the private and public sectors worldwide. File Photo.

The report cites the City’s financial management practices and political and managerial commitment to disciplined fiscal policies.

“We expect the financial administration and council will keep political consensus to implement reforms and support fiscal sustainability in the future. This has been demonstrated by higher-than-historical tax levies to support a growth-oriented capital plan,” according to a statement made by Standard & Poor’s.

The ”AA+” rating is the second highest on Standard & Poor’s credit rating scale. 

They commented in its credit report that the City benefits from a diversified economy. It specifically cited an active tourism industry and growth in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors, which are fostering advancements in technology and creating jobs.

“We expect Peterborough's stable economy and prudent management will continue to support strong operating balances of 14.6 per cent of operating revenue, on average, from 2024-2026. While we expect significantly elevated capital spending on large projects will lead to high after-capital deficits in the short term, as the projects near completion, we expect deficits will decrease in 2025-2026,” stated the credit rating agency.

Standard & Poor’s commented that the local economy is “somewhat constrained” by an older population and that aging demographics could lead to greater spending on social services and budgetary pressures in the future.

Among the observations for the City of Peterborough’s strong credit rating, Standard & Poor’s has cited: 

• The City's exceptional liquidity position and supportive institutional framework continue to bolster its credit profile

• Peterborough demonstrates good financial management practices

• An extremely predictable and supportive local and regional government framework that has demonstrated high institutional stability and evidence of systemic extraordinary support in times of financial distress

• The City’s after-capital deficits will stay elevated in the short term, primarily driven by substantial spending on transportation projects and the new community complex

• The City’s debt burden will remain manageable and supported by robust liquidity

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Peterborough Police Service Opens Request For Proposal for Vehicle Towing Services

The Peterborough Police Service has opened a Request for Proposal for Vehicle Towing Services. 

File Photo.

The RFP is for 24-hour towing services and secure vehicle storage pound facilities for the PPS in the City of Peterborough, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, and the Village of Lakefield from 2025 through 2029.

Request for Proposals forms may be obtained by downloading them or contacting the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit by telephone at 705-876-1122, ext. 254, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Sealed Requests for Proposal must be received by noon on Dec. 6 by hand delivery in a sealed envelope labelled ‘Towing Application’ to:

Peterborough Police Service
500 Water Street
Peterborough Attention: Traffic Sergeant or Designate

Submissions will be publicly opened on Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hugh Waddell Boardroom (A meeting link will be provided for virtual attendance upon request).

Mandatory site visits will be arranged between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. Awards are expected to be made by Dec. 23.

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Beach Boys Bringing Their "Endless Summer Gold" Tour To Peterborough Memorial Centre On April 4

The last stop of the The Beach Boys ‘Endless Summer Gold’ tour hits the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the last stop set for April 4.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The announcement was made on Monday by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy® winner, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder, lead singer and chief lyricist of The Beach Boys, Mike Love.

Love has written or co-written the lyrics and hooks to some of the band’s most popular songs, such as California Girls, I Get Around, Fun, Fun, Fun, Good Vibrations and Kokomo.

The current lineup, including musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer.

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The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Michael Jackson are the only artists to produce twelve Top 10 Singles within five years. The Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct its new members at the 2025 Induction & Awards Gala on June 12, 2025, in New York City.

The band also released their only official book, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, in collaboration with Genesis Publications. This hardcover edition chronicles their meteoric rise, from their first single, “Surfin’,” to their 1980 Independence Day concert. The book is available nationwide at thebeachboysbook.com.

Venue presale tickets are available on Thursday starting at 10 a.m., with general public tickets on Friday at 10 a.m.

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Ontario Museum Association Recognizes Peterborough Museum and Archives With Award of Excellence in Special Projects

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has been recognized with the Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence in Special Projects for its role in the “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” exhibition project on Friday.

File photo.

The Award recognizes innovative initiatives, approaches or techniques that profoundly advance the museum profession.

The exhibition featured 13 quilled wiigwassii makakoon (birch bark baskets) on loan from His Majesty King Charles III, through the Royal Collection Trust, United Kingdom. The makakoon were created by women of Hiawatha First Nation and gifted to the Prince of Wales on Sept. 7, 1860, when he visited on a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition focused on education, revitalization, and skill-building. Traditional quillwork and the Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabemowin language were integrated into the exhibition, project materials, and events. Interactions with the makakoon provided powerful moments to pass down traditional skills, strengthen intergenerational connections, foster healing, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

“The complex partnerships brought together for this project have helped to continue to strengthen the relationships between the PMA and local Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Amy Barron, Program Coordinator, Heritage Programs, Haliburton School of Art + Design, Fleming College. “Hopefully, this project can serve as a model for the loan of other Indigenous artifacts from overseas institutions, allowing these ancestors a chance to return home.”

‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860’ was a partnership between Hiawatha First Nation, the Mississauga Nation, the PMA, the Royal Collection Trust and the co-Curators, Dr. L. Beavis and Dr. L. Peers.

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Man Sent to Peterborough Regional Health Centre After a Collision; Another Man Charged With Careless Driving

A 78-year-old man was sent to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre after a collision at Park Street North and Chamberlain Street on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating the collision and say the incident occurred around 8 a.m.

Police had issued a 56-year-old driver a Provincial Offence Notice for obstructed windshield, failing to yield to a pedestrian and careless driving.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Tidy Pawz, Summer Soul Yoga, NAKA Japanese and Eleven 14 Guidance and Care

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…

Rhonda Stillman has opened a new business.

Tidy Pawz Pet Parlour, a pet grooming business that began serving clients on Oct. 1. It’s located at 1434 Chemong Rd. in Unit 6 in Peterborough. Rhonda has been grooming pets for more than 25 years. Tidy Pawz comes highly recommended, providing a stress-free experience for pets and their owners. Rhonda's attention to detail ensures that every pet receives personalized care. Check out Tidy Pawz if you want to have your pet looking and feeling their best.

Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness is launching Athletic Reformer Pilates to their lineup starting in January.

Reformer Pilates is highly regarded for its ability to build core strength, flexibility, and muscle tone while minimizing joint stress. When using a reformer machine – which includes a sliding carriage, springs, and adjustable straps – participants can perform a wide range of exercises that target specific muscle groups with precision. The machine's resistance allows users to control and adjust their workouts according to their fitness level, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Find out more and book your appointment at summersoul.ca.

NAKA Japanese Restaurant is under new ownership.

Founder Susan Tung has sold it to Emily Tan. Susan founded the restaurant at 213 Hunter St. W. in downtown Peterborough with vision of bringing Japanese comfort foods, like ramen, to Peterborough. She will shift her focus back to Hanoi House, her first restaurant, which she opened back in 2020. NAKA will continue its regular hours with the same thoughtfully curated menu that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern touch, creating a unique dining experience.

Eleven 14 Guidance and Care has a new office at 680 The Parkway in Peterborough.

Their new office enables them to offer Red Cross first aid of all levels, including emergency, standard, BLS, EFR and EMR from a new and convenient location. Their experienced instructors are Canadian Red Cross certified and committed to teaching everyone first aid skills. They offer instructions for various needs, including firefighters, businesses, social groups, and people just wanting to develop lifesaving skills. They can travel to convenient locations and are set up to teach large groups.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Get Ahead On Holiday Decorations With Oake Family Tree Farm Opening Weekend Beginning This Saturday

For holiday lovers who cannot wait to put up their decorations, the Oake Family Tree Farm is having its opening weekend starting this Saturday.

All photos courtesy of Oake Family Tree Farm.

The farm is located at 2474 Sherbrooke St. W. in Cavan and operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trees are available every weekend until Christmas.

Pre-cut balsam or Fraser firs cost $80 or you can cut your own tree for $75 on a cash-only basis (all prices include HST).

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough Launch Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser At Lansdowne Place

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough has launched its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Station at Lansdowne Place from Dec. 9 to 24.

Photo courtey of Peterborough Bigs.

The fundraiser is for youth mentoring programs run by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The station is above the stairs at Lansdowne Place and is staffed entirely by volunteers. They offer gift wrapping with a recommended donation based on the gift size.  

Throughout the campaign, the station will host appearances by local government representatives including Mayor Jeff Leal, MPP Dave Smith and MP Michelle Ferrari.

“This holiday season, we’re proud to help the community add a special touch to their gifts by making a meaningful difference for youth in our community,” says Zoe King, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Every donation supports brighter futures and stronger mentorship opportunities.”

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Former Pete Scores Two Goals to Lead Brantford Bulldogs In 5-2 Over Peterborough

Former Pete Nick Lardis scored the game’s last two goals to put things out of reach for Peterborough as the Brantford Bulldogs earned a 5-2 victory at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough PEtes.

Petes goaltender Easton Rye was making his first home career start in the game but had it rough facing his first shot of the game. Aiden O’Donnell received a pass and one-timed it home at point blank range to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead just 3:06 into the period. Petes captain Johnathan Melee got one back for Peterborough, scoring his team-leading sixth goal of the season off a centring pass from Ryder McIntyre just over five minutes later. It was 1-1 heading into the second period.

Neither team had scored until over halfway throught he frame as Brantford reestablished their lead. Joshua Avery took a shot that went wide but a fortunate bounce ended up on the stick of Nikolas Rossetto on the opposite side of the net and buried it for a 2-1 lead going into the third.

Peterborough refusing to go down without a fight tied things up again, this time on the power play. Aiden Young took matters into his own hands once he crossed the blue line, he beat a defender and took a wide-angle shot that beat Bulldogs goaltender Ryerson Leenders for a 2-2 tie. Rye was credited with the secondary assist the goal

It took less than three minutes for Brantford to regain the lead as the Bulldogs had Rye under siege in front of his net and after a few shots, wired one home thanks to Calvin Crombie to reestablish the 3-2 lead. Lardis put the dagger to the Petes on the power play as he got a quick one-timed goal to amke it 4-2 with just over 4 minutes in regulation. To add insult to injury, Lardis struck again with an empty-net goal to seal the victory for Brantford, 5-2.

The Petes hit the road to face Kingston Frontenacs at Slush Puppie Place on Fridya night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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