CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Returns to Peterborough Memorial Centre On March 30

The biggest party in fishing is coming back to town as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building on March 30.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The event will be vending gear from top brands, participating in the famous tackle swap, expert seminars and meet-and-greets with celebrity anglers.

Early Bird tickets are $13.60 plus applicable fees until Jan. 1. Afterwards, they are $16.60 plus applicable fees.

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Volunteer Peterborough Receives $12,000 Grant From The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Program

To help bolster local volunteering efforts, Volunteer Peterborough has received a $12,000 grant from the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.), announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Volunteerism faces a number of barriers, including general awareness. This program will help to match interested volunteers to opportunities in our community,” says Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder. “By matching the right people and skills to roles we can help build confidence and independence for prospective volunteers while creating lasting benefits for organizations who rely on volunteer support.”

Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. program invested $400,000 in grants this year, scaling from previous years.

“We received more than $3.7 million in funding requests this year, highlighting its crucial role in supporting communities,” said Tim Shauf, The Commonwell president. “Our L.E.A.F grants are about caring beyond us and beyond now.”

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Ontario Hockey Federation Updates Player Movement Regulations; Residency Regulations Removed

The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has updated its Player Movement Regulations to enhance participant experience and accessibility, removing several residency restrictions for players within the organization, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The decision was voted on by OHF members in Toronto, where a vote was carried out to remove residency regulations in Minor Hockey for the U10 age group and above in all categories from AAA to House League inclusive.

This applies to the four Minor Hockey Members, including the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE), the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).

“This is a transformational and historic moment for hockey in the OHF,” said Phillip McKee, OHF executive director. “These changes are designed to create a more inclusive and player-focused system, ensuring every participant has fun and the opportunity to thrive. Through collaboration and listening to our hockey community, we are shaping a stronger future for the game.”

“These changes are the result of extensive feedback and unprecedented collaboration with our Members, Minor Hockey Associations and participants and we are confident they will positively impact hockey families across the OHF,” said John Kastner, Chair of the Board.

OHF says these changes align boys' and co-ed hockey with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) structure and the standards followed by most sports organizations across Ontario and Canada.

Conversations regarding the changes began in 2022, leading to the formation of a dedicated committee in March. Chaired by former OHF Chair of the Board, Tony Foresi, the committee included representatives from all four Minor Member Partners and OHF Board Members.

The process involved gathering input through parent surveys and town hall meetings with Associations. On Nov. 30, over 200 Minor Hockey Representatives joined the conversation in Toronto as the final details were discussed.

“The changes to Player Movement Regulations represent a significant step forward in creating a system that prioritizes fun, player development, accessibility, and fairness,” said Foresi.

The following are the organization’s key points and regulation changes:

Enhanced Player Movement

Beginning in the 2025–2026 season, OHF Minor Hockey Players in the U10 age group and above will have the opportunity to participate with the Association of their choice regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, BB, B etc.).

House League for U9 and Below Participants

House League players in the age group of U9 and below can continue to play anywhere within OHF.

Local Programming for Younger Participants in MD and Select

Players in the U9 age group and below will participate within their Member (ALLIANCE, GTHL, NOHA, and OMHA) under Member Regulations for Select and Minor Development hockey.

Pause on addition of Representative Teams for U10 age group and above

The OHF is implementing a temporary hold on the addition of Rep teams at U10 age group and above by Associations and OHF Members. This hold will allow for a thorough review and adjustment of the number of teams at each age group and Category.

Development of Geographically Structured Leagues

To improve accessibility and participation, the OHF, in conjunction with our Minor Members, will work to establish geographically structured leagues. This new framework will reduce travel burdens and promote a more inclusive hockey environment across all regions.

Increased Penalties for Tampering

The OHF and its Minor Members will introduce timelines and increased penalties for recruiting players, during the current season, on other teams for the next season. Such penalties will apply to anyone involved with a team.

The Work is Not Done

The Player Movement Committee will remain active, adjusting the Rules and Regulations for the 2026-2027 season and addressing any unintended consequences that may arise.

Immediate Application of Adopted Regulations

The adopted Regulations will be effective immediately, with the exception that rostering and affiliation for the 2024-2025 season will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.

The changes are effective for the 2025–26 hockey season.

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Local Restaurant Owner Continues Holiday Spirit of Giving Free Meals To Anyone In Need On Christmas Day

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria owner, Ilir Sino, keeps his holiday-giving spirit going as he plans to give our free hot meals for Christmas Day to anyone in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILIR SINO.

He typically offers free hot meals during Easter and Christmas and has given away meals during this year’s Thanksgiving.

Meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spaghetti House, 512 George St. S.

Sino announced on his Facebook that he is inviting Peterborough and the surrounding area to grab a meal on Saturday.

Sino has a history of philanthropy. In November 2022, he donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

He opened his production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer of 2022. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

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City's Dance the Boro Project Selected For My Main Street Community Activator Initiative

The City of Peterborough’s Dance the Boro project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative and received support to make enhancements to Quaker Foods City Square and offer free community dance classes in downtown Peterborough.

File Photo.

Dance the Boro, held Friday evenings and Saturday mornings from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19 at Quaker Foods City Square, encouraged the community to come downtown for an hour of fun, dance and connection.

“Bringing people downtown for fun, interactive events like Dance the Boro transforms public spaces into shared spaces where residents of all ages can connect, move and celebrate community,” said Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica, Town Ward Councillors in a joint statement. “These experiences are what make our city thrive and our downtown shine.”

Support from My Main Street was used to make permanent enhancements at Quaker Foods City Square. Improvements included a portable stage, benches, planters, removable bollards, bike racks, and outdoor speakers, all designed to enrich the visitor experience while driving traffic to main streets and contributing to the community's economic vitality.

My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods that will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while promoting sustainable and inclusive community development.

"Dance the Boro demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives that breathe new life into our downtown spaces,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “We're proud to support free events like these that provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience what makes our downtown a unique and inviting gathering place for all.”

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Trent University Instructor Arrested and Charged With Sexual Assault On Student

UPDATED: 10:59 a.m. 21-04-25

The story has been updated to replace the accused with initials following an amendment to the Peterborough Police Service press release.

47-year-old Kingston man A. M. has been charged with sexual assault after an incident in Peterborough last Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:50 p.m. last Tuesday, officers learned that the incident that had happened earlier in the afternoon involving a part-time course instructor at Trent University in the Mathematics Department and a student. 

The incident happened when the student asked for extra help for exam perperation. The actions occurred during a meeting off campus at a local business at the request of the part-time course instructor. The incident involved non-consensual touching.

An investigation followed on Friday where A.M. was arrested in Kingston and brought back to Peterborough.

He appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

Trent University has been made aware of the situation and is cooperating with the police.

As this matter is now before the courts, the Police have stated that no more information will be released.

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City of Peterborough’s Invites Public To Contribute to Interactive Map of Festive Displays

The public is invited to keep things bright through the City’s festive holiday lighting and decoration displays by sharing locations for the City of Peterborough's interactive holiday display map and guide.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The map was created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area. The interactive tool is designed to get locals and visitors out and exploring different parts of the city and to showcase the community’s collective festive spirit, including diverse holidays according to the City.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2024 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and requested information through an online form.

To be eligible, displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until New Year’s Day.

The interactive map can be viewed online.

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Curve Lake Women Charged On Drug Possession and Violating Probation After Traffic Stop

A 30-year-old Curve Lake woman is facing several charges after a traffic stop early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:45 a.m., general patrol officers conducted a traffic stop and learned that a female passenger was not supposed to be outside their home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.  She was taken into custody. 

During a search of the woman’s belongings after arrest, officers seized:

• 151g of Crystal Methamphetamine

• 7.6g of Fentanyl

• Drug paraphernalia

• Two cell phones

• Canadian currency

The woman was arrested and 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 - Fentanyl

• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5000

• Failure to comply with release order

• Failure to comply with probation order

The accused is also bound by a probation order with the following conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Sautrday.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Alzheimer Society, GreenUP, PTBO Northern Originals and Community Futures

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…

The Alzheimer Society is launching a Dining for Dementia campaign through January.

Dine out at a participating local restaurant and a portion of every meal’s cost will be donated to the Alzheimer Society. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious food, support local businesses, and raise money for a good cause. Each participating restaurant will be offered free training and resources for their staff on enhancing customer service and accessibility for patrons living with dementia. Reach out to the Alzheimer Society for more details and a list of locations.

The holiday season is a critical fundraising time for local charities and non-profits.

Many of them depend heavily on donations through the holiday season to provide community programming for the rest of the year. They would normally be sending you reminders in the mail. Consider this your reminder to donate. Give online, over the phone, or drop by their offices.

After many years selling sustainable products, GreenUp is closing its downtown retail store.

The mission when it opened was to give people sustainable options. Since then, local retailers now stock a lot more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. The store will be open until December 21 with all remaining stock going on clearance from January 7 to 17. You can find everything from household and hygiene products to gifts and gardening items. All proceeds from store sales will continue to support GreenUP's charitable work in the community.

I’ve had a couple of questions about where you can get Peterborough-branded clothing. There are some new unique clothing and accessory options available from Ptbo Northern Originals. You can find them at Flavour Fashion at 383 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough or online at ptbonorthernoriginals.com. Peterborough branded items include hats, crewnecks, hoodies, long sleeves, t-shirts, tank tops, and kids items.

Looking for support for your small business?

Get the free Small Business Toolkit from Community Futures. It’s packed with information and designed for local entrepreneurs. It includes support for things like payroll, registering a business, and crafting a business plan. You can find the Small Business Toolkit and other helpful support at communityfuturespeterborough.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.

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