DNA Testing Aids Peterborough Police Identify Human Remains Found In Otonabee River From 1988 Cold Case

After the result of advanced DNA testing technology, the Peterborough Police Service identified human remains in the Otonabee River to be Gerald Durocher from 1988, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

According to the Police, Durocher was born in November 1949, and, at the time of his death, would have been 38 years old.

On July 10, 1988, recreational divers located a human skull in the Otonabee River, near Lock and McKeller Street, approximately 130 feet from the shore. When it was found, a postmortem examination was conducted, which revealed it belonged to a male and that he was the victim of homicide.  Extensive air and underwater searches were conducted; however, the remainder of the body has never been recovered.

In October 2021, the Peterborough Police Service submitted evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, in hopes that advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help generate new leads and assist with identifying the ‘Otonabee River Man’.

Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile, which was then used by Othram’s genealogy team in conjunction with forensic genetic genealogy to identify potential relatives. The Peterborough Police Service then used this information to locate and interview these individuals. This process, as well as subsequent confirmatory DNA testing by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, led to the positive identification of the victim.  

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

This case has never been forgotten and over the last three decades, various methods have been used to attempt to identify the remains said Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is pursuing all avenues to further this investigation. Durocher is believed to have had connections throughout Ontario, (including Ottawa) and the Quesnel area in central British Columbia.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about Durocher or his death to come forward, noting that sometimes even the small details can play a large part in solving a case. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Lacey White at 705-876-1122 ext. 266, the Peterborough Police Service Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca

Peterborough-Northumberland Crime Stoppers has generously offered a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.

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Registration For City of Peterborough's Winter Programming Has Opened

Registration has opened for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Recreation and Park Services winter programming.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can begin registering for winter recreation and aquatics programming held at the Wellness Centre. Public registration for all other programs opens Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration can be completed online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

Activities include Learn to Skate programs, line dancing, children’s dance and fitness classes, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo and Judo. Registered pickleball, birthday party packages and personal training programs are also available.

This year, beginning Sunday, the City is expanding Shinny Hockey to include a new pay-as-you-play women’s program.

Family Stick and Puck is a new drop-in program that allows caregivers to help children ages three to 13 practice and develop skating, stick handling, and passing skills. It begins on Feb. 8.

Stop N’ Play is available for Sport and Wellness Centre users, providing caregivers with time to use the fitness centre, pool or sports facilities.

Older adults looking for a place to socialize, try a workshop and learn new games can check out the schedule of events at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Most programs begin during the second week of January and run from four to 12 weeks.

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Tebey Golf Classic Raises and Donates $34,400 For Youth Mental Health In Peterborough

The 2024 Tebey Golf Classic, held May 30 at Wildfire Golf Course, donated $34,400 to youth mental health services in the Peterborough area in December.

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation held the event. Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families each received $17,200 to continue their work supporting youth in our community.

“This donation would not be possible without the golfers, sponsors and donors who support the event each year. To you, we are grateful. We are also grateful to Tebey, his family, and his team for being a face and a voice for youth mental health. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. Since the event’s inception in 2017, over $250,000 has been raised to support youth mental health in the Peterborough area,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director.

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U15 AAA Peterborough Petes Capture Hamilton Steel Classic Championship In Undefeated Run

The U15 AAA Peterborough Petes went undefeated to capture the 32nd-annual Hamilton Steel Classic Championship at the Chedoke Twin Pad Arena in Hamilton on Sunday.

(Left to right) Front row: Tyson Hawley, Blake Brioux, Taytem Adams, Cole Roberts, Matty Colling, Landen white and Liam Williams, 

Back row: Brock Davis, Kevin Sparling, Lynn Todd, Cooper poskin, Taymon browne, Kalum Phillips, Hannu Packalen, Gage cooper Bailey, Lucas McIntyre, Prestin Allen, Colton Adams, Kotter Grove, Joey Gusso, Reid Cameron, Joe hawley and Dan Robertson. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Minor Petes.

The three-day tournament saw the Petes begin the qualifying rounds, beating the Waterloo Wolves 4-2 and 6-1 over the Soo Jr. Greyhounds. On Saturday, they played two more qualifiers, defeating Sun County Panthers 4-1 and North York Rangers, 5-2.

On Sunday. the Petes had a rematch against the Panthers in the quarterfinals. Peterborough had some late-game heroics as Peterborough was down 2-0 late in the third. They scored with 2:04 left in regulation to cut the deficit to one. In a last gasp, the Petes scored with 2.7 seconds left to send the game to overtime. Colton Adams was the hero for Peterborough with a walk-off goal with 91 seconds left on the clock to advance to the semifinals.,

In the next game, Peterborough defeated the host Hamilton Steel team 2-1, with Kalum Phillips scoring the game-winning goal to advance to the finals.

The finals were a battle of the undefeated as Peterborough faced the North Central Predators. The game came down to a shootout after a 1-1 score and saw Petes’s Blake Brioux score the eventual winner to seal the championship. Landon White was named the game MVP for the Petes.

After two and a half months, the U15 Petes have a 31-4-1 record including pre-season, league play, and two tournament titles.

The U15 Petes host the Ajax-Pickering Raiders at the Healthy Planet Arena at the Sign-a-Fied Pad. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces New Year Production 'Outside Mullingar' For January/February

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s first production of the new year, ‘Outside Mullingar’ has been announced with 10 shows scheduled spanning from late January to early February.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees (Jan. 26, Feb. 2) are at 2 p.m.

Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. In this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, the journey of eccentric souls is heartbreaking, funny as hell, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 (including fees) and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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City of Peterborough Recognizes Dec. 10 As Human Rights Day

The City of Peterborough has recognized Tuesday as Human Rights Day after the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948.

File Photo.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the right to equality, the right to life, liberty and security, the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Mayor Jeff Leal’s Statement on Human Rights Day:

“Today, on International Human Rights Day, we join people across the globe in reflecting on the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background. This day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold these principles in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Human rights are the foundation of a fair, just, and compassionate society. They empower individuals, protect the vulnerable, and foster inclusion and equality. In the City of Peterborough, we recognize that our community's strength lies in its diversity. By respecting and championing human rights, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and capable of contributing to our collective well-being.”

Resources 

Kawartha World Issues Centre, a non-profit organization connecting global issues to local initiatives.  

Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, a non-profit organization which promotes positive race relations in the City. 

The Government of Canada, Human Rights Day. 

The Province of Ontario, The Ontario Human Rights Commission. 

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Peterborough County Approves 2025 Budget

Peterborough County Council has approved the 2025 Budget during Monday’s Council meeting.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The approved budget includes a 6.28 per cent tax rate increase (8.4 per cent tax levy increase) which reflects the County’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and reducing dependency on reserve funding according to a press release.

Key highlights of the budget include:

• Dedicated Infrastructure Levy: A 2.5 per cent allocation specifically for infrastructure needs.

• Operational Sustainability: Elimination of reliance on reserved funding to support ongoing operations.

• Tax Rate Adjustment: A tax rate increase of 6.28 per cent, amounting to approximately $66.00 for the average assessed household.

“Peterborough County Council is tasked with balancing the need to invest in our communities with the rising cost of living for our ratepayers,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This budget enables continued investment in services to meet the needs of our residents and townships, provides for much-needed maintenance on key infrastructure, while eliminating the draw on reserves for operating needs. The work does not end here. County Council, the Finance Committee, and staff will continue to find efficiencies and opportunities throughout the organization in the months ahead.”

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Television Road Temporarily Closed Until Thursday Evening For Railway Crossing Repairs

Television Road will be closed to through traffic between Parkhill Road East and Lansdowne Street East/Highway 7.

File Photo.

The closure is required by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway to make an emergency repair to the railway crossing south of Maniece Avenue.

Residents are asked to follow posted signage and detour routes on Parkhill Road East and Lansdowne Street East/Highway 7. Emergency access will not be available across the work site at the railway crossing.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway expects to reopen Television Road to through traffic by Thursday at 5 p.m.

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Peterborough Lakers Alumni Donate $750 to Kawartha Food Share During Christmas Social; Loonies On the Street Fundraiser This Thursday

The Peterborough Lakers Alumni were in the giving spirit during their Christmas Social Party as they donated $750 to Kawartha Food Share’s ‘Loonies On the Street’ fundraising campaign at Sticks Sports Pub on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Lakers ALumni.

All were invited to the Christmas Social where patrons could, mingle, socialize, win prizes and enjoy pub food.

The 24th-annual fundraiser runs this Friday outside of Peterborough Square. Volunteers will take loose change donations throughout George Street with Peterborough Lions Club collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge.

Due to the postal strike, donation letters could not reach community members. Those who cannot donate at the event can go to KFS’s warehouse at 665 Neal Dr.r donate online.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to purchase goods for KFS to redistribute to 37 food banks.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Opens Reactivation Care Centre For Patient Restoration

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has opened a new Reactivation Care Centre, a specialized, acute medical unit dedicated to patient reactivation and restoration, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

This new patient care space is designed to help patients prepare to return home once they no longer require acute, hospital-level care, said PRHC. The unit will provide dedicated support for identified patients and their families through a time-specified, short-stay admission, helping each patient achieve specific goals that will allow them to safely transition back into the community.

All ages qualify,but the Reactivation Care Centre will care for seniors.

The Reactivation Care Centre’s interprofessional team will help each patient become as independent and active as possible through a custom-designed approach. It will also work with patients and their families to connect them with the appropriate hospital and community partners and support them before they return home.

The interprofessional team on the unit includes:

• Elder Life Specialist

• Nursing

• Occupational Therapy

• Pharmacy

• Physicians

• Physiotherapy

• Recreation Therapy

• Rehabilitation Assistant

• Seniors’ Care Lead

• Social Work

“The Reactivation Care Centre goes beyond just providing a setting for patients to recover from their acute illness,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO at PRHC. “With a time-limited stay based on the individual’s specific needs, each patient will have access to specialized, restorative care to prepare them for a successful discharge from the hospital. The targeted care being offered on this unit will help to address the increasing demands of our growing and aging community in Peterborough.”

The Reactivation Care Centre was possible through the PRHC Foundation and its donors according to a press release.

"It's because of our community's generous support of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC that the Foundation can respond quickly to PRHC's most urgent needs – such as the Reactivation Care Centre – as they arise throughout the year,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Community donations made it possible to fund $400,000 in vital infrastructure for the reactivation unit, including patient beds, vital signs monitors, and specialized wheelchairs, to help patients return home after hospital care. This is a great example of the power of philanthropy in our community. Thank you, donors.”

“Over the last several years, the government of Ontario has provided a number of critical investments that have allowed PRHC to explore innovative solutions for the growing numbers of patients in the Peterborough region who require hospital care,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This includes $2.9M invested into community partnerships to allow patients who no longer require hospital-level care to be relocated into more appropriate care settings, and more than $600,000 invested into programs offered through the Emergency Department to help patients maintain their independence and prevent unnecessary inpatient stays at the hospital. I am pleased to see the hospital and its partners launch this innovative, hospitalbased care model, and I look forward to hearing more about its successes in the year ahead.”

Key benefits of the new Reactivation Care Centre at PRHC include:

• Specialized care for patients and their families, tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

• Interdisciplinary care excellence: A team that has the right knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide the level of care needed.

• People-centered. Care is focused on what each patient needs to return safely home after their hospital stay. Caregivers are identified, included, and supported as essential care partners and are respected as members of the patient's care team.

• Custom-designed, tech-enabled care space, with a focus on functional enhancement, individualized, patient-centred programming, and supported by technology-enabled care and communication.

• System responsiveness.

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