Peterborough Man Faces Impaired Driving After Making a U-Turn Before a Festive RIDE Check

A 45-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired driving and Highway Traffic Act charges during a Festive RIDE check on Friday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:40 p.m., officers at a Festive RIDE stop in the Water Street and King Street area noticed a vehicle just north of the check conduct a U-turn and drive the wrong way on Water Street through a red light. They conducted a traffic stop and during the stop, the officer noticed signs of impairment. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

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

• Red light - fail to stop (Highway Traffic Act)

• Drive wrong way - one-way traffic (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14.

The Peterborough Police Service conducted two Festive RIDE checks on Friday, and Saturday.

473 vehicles were checked with 19 ASD tests administered with one fail.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Getting Hot After 5-3 Victory Over Visiting Guelph Storm

In the team’s most successful stretch of the season, the Petes have won their last three of four games after a 5-3 victory over the Guelph Storm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes did not have the ideal start, as they were on the wrong side of a five-on-three powerplay. Guelph’s Jett Luchanko rocketed a one-timer past Easton Rye to get the Storm on the board first, 1-0.

Peterborough would even things up just over halfway through the period as Martin Matejicek ripped a one-timer to tie things at 1. Guelph would regain the lead after some excellent forechecking in the offensive zone. They forced Peterborough to turn the puck over and Lev Katzin backhanded it past Rye for a 2-1 lead after one.

The second period was the Brody Partridge show. He netted two goals for the Petes, the lone scores of the frame. His first goal was off a deflected shot on a wide angle from Francis Parish to tie it up at two. His second goal came from an errant pass by him but came out to the point. Patridge met the puck, wired it past traffic and scored for Peterborough’s first lead of the night going into the third.

Luchanko tied things up at 1:39 into the final frame as he knocked in a rebound from Katzin’s initial shot for a 3-3 game. Peterborough forced a turnover of their own on the forecheck as the Petes scrambled in front of a sprawling Brayden Gillespie. The Petes did everything they could as Gavin Bryant had a few chances in front all alone. He appeared to try a wraparound after two whacks but instead fed Matejicek who buried the wide-open net and a 4-3 lead.

Petes captain Johnathan Melee capped off the game with an empty-netter and won 5-3 over the Storm. The win also marked three-straight wins for Rye in three consecutive starts.

The Petes stay home for their next game this Thursday against the rival Oshawa Generals. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, Peterborough Musicfest, Canopy Support Services and Peterborough Chamber

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…

Lois Tuffin received some well-deserved recognition for her work in creating Volunteer Peterborough.

She won the Charity Village’s Most Outstanding Individual Impact — Volunteer award for her tireless work leading a non-profit match-making service. The award celebrates the outstanding impact made by a volunteer at a nonprofit or charity. Since launching in July 2023, VolunteerPeterborough.ca has signed up 1,524 individuals who are seeking volunteer roles and 162 organizations who rely on volunteers. It welcomes posts from non-profits and the roles they have open so volunteers can find this information in one handy location.

Looking to dine out?

Get more than $1,000 in discounts with the 2025 Peterborough Musicfest Diner’s Book. This year’s edition includes 80 incredible restaurants, cafés, pubs, bakeries, candy shops, and more across Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Coupons are valid from January 1 to November 30. Proceeds go to support Peterborough Musicfest and their work putting on Canada’s longest running free concert series, bringing in premier artists to perform in Peterborough. The Diner’s Books are a great gift for foodies or the hard-to-buy-for person on your holiday list. Get them at Lansdowne Place or online at ptbomusicfest.ca.

Peterborough-based Canopy Support Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization has grown since 1974 to support over 6,500 individuals annually across 13 programs. Canopy provides case management, skill-building, caregiver training, mental health counseling, and more. They provide a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to have access to individualized supports, resources, and specialized clinical services.

Looking for a holiday party with local businesses?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting Christmas in the County, a holiday social in partnership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association and Kawartha Lakes Construction. Join us on Thursday, Dec.12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kawartha Lakes Construction at 3359 Lakefield Road in Lakefield. There will be food, drinks, games, and networking. Register at pkchamber.ca.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Wildlife Photographer Dave Ellis Releases 2025 Calendars For Christmas Season

Local wildlife photographer Dave Ellis has released his calendars for 2025 depicting some of his best shots of nature taken throughout the year for the upcoming holidays.

“We have designed our 2025 wildlife calendars featuring some of our favorite photographs of Kawartha Lakes wildlife,” said Ellis. “The calendars are available now so that you can have them in time for Christmas and the New Year.”

There are three different calendar designs to choose from. Ellis requests that those interested in seeing a preview of the calendars or placing an order, email wildlife@eastlink.ca. They are hand-delivered throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The calendars have been printed locally to support Kawartha Lakes businesses according to Ellis.

“I really enjoy sharing my photos of our local wildlife with all of you and I look forward to meeting you when we deliver the calendars,” said. “We hope you like the calendars and thank you for your support.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Museum & Archives Displays Images of Canada’s Triumphs and Tribulations

Canada’s triumphs, failures and sacrifices are displayed at Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) in a new travelling exhibition from the Canadian Museum of History and Canada’s History Society.

File Photo.

Snapshots of Canada will be presented from Dec. 12 to March 23, showcasing unforgettable images and thought-provoking texts.

The exhibition pairs 50 powerful photographs with texts by well-known Canadian historians, authors, and journalists, covering topics ranging from the trial of Métis leader Louis Riel to Paul Henderson’s winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series and from the deportation of Japanese Canadians after the Second World War to the standoff at Oka.

"The PMA is thrilled to host this exhibit," said Kim Reid, Curator of the Peterborough Museum & Archives. "It will create lasting memories for our visitors—memories that become the stories we love to share."

“The Canadian Museum of History is delighted to share Snapshots of Canada with the people of Peterborough,” said Caroline Dromaguet, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “The exhibition invites visitors to relive both iconic and lesser-known moments that have shaped Canada’s history.”

The photographs, ranging from depictions of high drama to simple joy, were drawn from “100 Photos That Changed Canada (2009)” and “100 Days That Changed Canada (2011)”, published by Canada’s History and HarperCollins Canada. The images and accompanying text explore Canada from four perspectives: Building a Country, Living Together, Seeking Justice and Celebrating Culture. Contributors include literary non-fiction writer Charlotte Gray, best-selling novelist Lawrence Hill, historian Desmond Morton, archivist Jim Burant, award-winning military historian Tim Cook, and journalist Peter Mansbridge.

“We selected the photos for their emotional impact, their aesthetic appeal, their uniqueness, and the significance of the subject they depict,” said Mark Reid, Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s History Society and the editor of the two bestselling books that inspired the exhibition. “But most of all, we chose them for the way they reflect who we were, who we are today, and who we can aspire to become as Canadians.”

Other emblematic events covered in the exhibition include the fight for women’s rights, the residential school system, the election of the Parti Québécois and the second sovereignty referendum, the Winnipeg General Strike, the legalization of same-sex marriage and Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.

Snapshots of Canada will be presented at the Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., from Dec. 12, to March 23. The arrival of this powerful exhibit will be celebrated with a public opening on Dec. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Hometown PTBO: Andrew Mills Recovering From a Brain Tumour to Direct "Crossing Over" at Market Hall On May 29-31

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Andrew Mills, director of "Crossing Over" for Trent Valley Archives Theatre, about the production at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre from May 29-31, his recovery from suffering a brain tumour in 2018 and his first directing role since his injury.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough to Recognize National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

The City of Peterborough is recognizing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is recognized each year on Dec. 6.

File Photo.

It remembers the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique in Montréal during a shocking act of gender-based violence. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is also a day to reflect on the continuing issue of violence against women.

Mayor Jeff Leal has made the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“On December 6, the City of Peterborough joins Canadians across the nation in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day holds a solemn significance as we honour the 14 women who tragically lost their lives on this day in 1989 at École Polytechnique. Their memory reminds us of the urgent need to address and end gender-based violence in all its forms.

Gender-based violence continues to persist in our communities. It is a harsh reality that undermines the safety, dignity, and potential of so many. We must recognize that this is not a private issue—it is a societal one, demanding collective action and commitment.

"In Peterborough we are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported. I encourage all residents to reflect on the role we each play in challenging sexism, advocating for equity, and supporting survivors.”

Resources

• YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides shelter, resources and support for women escaping gender-based violence.

• The Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network, a network of organizations working to end domestic abuse in the City and Peterborough County.

• The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre provides support to anyone affected by sexual violence or harm, including crisis support and counselling.

• The Government of Canada, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Man Who Refused to Leave Fast-Food Bathroom Arrested For Drug Possession Charges

A 45-year-old Peterborough man is facing multiple drug possession charges after an incident Thursday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:15 p.m., the Peterborough Police received a call from staff at a local fast-food restaurant on Lansdowne Street about a male in the washroom who was refusing to leave.

Officers from the Community FIRST Unit responded and investigated. The male was located, identified and wanted on an outstanding warrant. As a result, the male was subsequently arrested.

During a search of the suspect, after arrest, officers located and seized the following:

• 90.7g of Fentanyl

• 6.1g of Crystal Methamphetamine

• 1.4g of Crack Cocaine

• Hydromorphone pills

• Clonazepam pills 

• Dilaudid pills

• 10.7g of Heroin

• 10.8g of Cocaine

The man is charged with:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine x 2

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Heroin

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drugs

• Possession of a schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking x 2

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Friday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Showered From Teddy Bear Toss After 3-2 Overtime Win Against Sarnia

The stuffed animals were flying as the Peterborough Petes won in overtime 3-2 against the Sarnia Sting on Teddy Bear Toss night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The game was deadlocked with no score until the last minute of the second period where Sarnia was on the power play. Tyson Doucette blasted a one-timer from the point that got by Easton Rye for a 1-0 lead.

With no scoring after halfway through the third period, the Petes fans were anxious to let throw their teddy bears on the ice which occurs after the Petes’s first goal.

That was a good opportunity Petes defenceman Blake Gowan to get his first career OHL goal as he joined the rush. He stickhandled the puck and backhanded it past the Sting goalie for a 1-1 game and to send all of the teddy bears flying to the ice.

Donations of other stuffed animals, toques, gloves and socks flooded the ice. There were 1571 donations were collected in support of the Move 99.7 and Pure Country 105 Christmas Toy Drive, in support of the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal.

Less than two minutes later, Peterborough was on the power play. Ryder McIntyre tried a wraparound bid but went off a defender. The ricochet met Aiden Young’s stick and he buried it for the Petes’s first lead of the game, 2-1.

Sarnia was able to battle back late in the period. With 62 seconds left in regulation, Doucette struck again with another one-timer to tie things up at two for overtime.

Just as Peterborough saw their power play finish, Braydon McCallum passed it across to Caden Taylor who sniped it home on a one-timed shot in overtime for the walk-off goal for the 3-2 win. This was the first winning streak for the Petes this season with two straight overtime wins.

The Petes hit the road to Brantford to take on the at the Brantford Civic Centre on Friday. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough's Housing Crisis Continues to Be Problematic Says United Way

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 19th Edition of Housing is Fundamental report that highlights Peterborough’s worsening rental market according to author Paul Armstrong.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s report analyzes the market and underscores the ongoing challenges posed by housing affordability and accessibility.

Their local key findings include:

• Canada has reached a new low for its vacancy rate at 1.5 per cent

• Peterborough’s vacancy rate remains at 1 per cent

• The average market rent is $1,325 across all units, which is a 6.5 per cent increase from last year

• Three-bedroom units saw the largest increase in average market rents at 7.7 per cent

• The annual income required to afford the average market rent is $53,000

Average Rent In Canada

Average Listed Rents by Unit Type - Feb. 2024

Rent Year-Over-Year Change

The report also recognized these highlights of the rental market in Canada:

• Canada-wide vacancy rate was 1.5 per cent (Oct. 2023), a new low

• Strong rental demand outpaced supply

• Tighter markets with lower affordability

• Rent growth exceeded average wage growth by a wide margin

• Rent arrears increased from 6.5 per cent (2022) to 7.8 per cent (2023)

• Lower-income renters faced below-average vacancy rates for the least expensive apartments

Armstrong highlighted the contributing issues using data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“When surging rents outpace income increases, something is wrong. When people pay their rent and then find themselves at food banks to eat, something’s amiss,” he said. “When inadequate supply of rental units produces a 1.0 per cent vacancy rate in Peterborough, something has to change. When housing costs are now the primary driver of inflation and 20% of Canadian rental stock is owned by large capital enterprises, something’s inequitable. When homelessness grows, but social housing builds don’t materialize, something’s unjust. The housing crisis deepens with little indication of relief.”

“Housing remains the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community,” said Jim Russell United Way CEO. “Data is showing us that foodbanks are seeing record high numbers of first-time users. Without stable and affordable housing, individuals face immense barriers in every aspect of their lives, from purchasing food to employment to health. This year’s report is a call to action for all levels of government and community partners.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.