'Olivia' and 'Noah' #1 Baby Names For 2023 In Ontario In Top 10 List

Once again, the top baby names were Olivia and Noah in Ontario for 2023, according to the provincial government.

Serenity Bui (pictured) is the daughter of PTBOCanada Editor’s David Bui. Photo by Sarah Hiltz Photography.

Olivia has clinched the number-one spot as Ontario's top baby girl name for 15 consecutive years. Charlotte also continued as a favourable choice, becoming the second-most popular name for girls.

Noah took the top spot as the most popular name for boys for the fifth-straight year, with Liam following closely behind.

Mila and Henry were new baby names that cracked 2023.

The top 10 names for girls and boys in 2023 were:

Girls

1. Olivia

2. Charlotte

3. Amelia

4. Emma

5. Sophia

6. Mia

7. Sofia

8. Ava

9. Mila

10. Isla

Boys

1. Noah

2. Liam

3. Theodore

4. Oliver

5. Jack

6. Lucas

7. Benjamin

8. William

9. Leo

10. Henry

“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, and our government is dedicated to helping new parents focus on these special moments rather than paperwork,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “With ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle, we’ve made it easier for Ontario parents to register their newborns and apply for essential documents like birth certificates and Social Insurance Numbers—all from the comfort of their home.”

The Ontario government says that parents should register their child's birth within 30 days of welcoming their newborn.

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Community Care Peterborough Exceeds Meals On Wheels Donation Goal On 60th Anniversary

Community Care Peterborough has exceeded its goal of 600 donated meals for Meals on Wheels clients in December during the program’s 60th anniversary, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Community Care says there were 634 meals donated.

“Our community’s generosity never ceases to amaze us,” said Chris LeBlanc, Community Care director of donors and public relations. “These meals ensure that our clients feel cared for and supported during the holiday season, a time that can be challenging for so many.”

The Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious meals and vital connections to seniors and adults living with physical challenges throughout Peterborough and surrounding areas.

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Trent University Alumnus Appointed Officer to the Order of Canada

Trent alumnus Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (Traill College ‘83) has received the nation’s highest honour by being appointed an officer to the Order of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McDonnell is a professor of hydrology and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security. His award-winning research has had a seminal scientific impact on the field, including advancing water security and deepening the world’s understanding of the water cycle according to Trent.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I congratulate Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell on his achievements that exemplify Trent’s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership in water research,” said Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Dr. McDonnel’s remarkable contributions to hydrology not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students who, like him, are poised to lead in environmental sciences and shape the future of water research.” 

McDonnel’s appointment was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh chancellor.

“Trent is where it all started for me,” said McDonnell. “My professors and peers all shaped me, and Trent provided the launching pad for my research career.” 

He has served as President of the American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences International Commission on Tracers while also being named a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Royal Geographical Society.  

According to Trent, McDonnell’s research has led to new techniques for measuring and understanding how rainfall moves through landscapes while improving our understanding of how watersheds store and release water.

“Understanding these issues is critical to solving some of the world’s biggest water challenges,” he says.

McDonnell’s accolades include the 2016 International Hydrology Prize from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization and prizes from the European Geosciences Union, American Institute of Hydrology, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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Kawartha Rotary Ribfest Cancelled Indefinitely

The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not making an appearance in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a Facebook post by Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, they said the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha had advised that the event for 2025 and forward is cancelled.

The post cites that the event has ‘severely outgrown’ Millennium Park.

“Apologies to everyone to enjoyed and supported Kawartha Rotary RibFest,” in a statement made from the social media post.

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Peterborough Petes Allow Goal In Dying Seconds to Fall 5-4 to Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes were step-for-step with the Ottawa 67’s but allowed a goal in the final 11 seconds in regulation to fall 5-4 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

This was Peterborough’s first game in nine days due to the holiday break.

The Petes conceded the first goal early, 2:31 in but responded quickly. Just over two minutes later, Peterborough scored two goals from Caden Taylor and Francis Parish (with the former goal on the powerplay) to make it 2-1.

The goals did not stop there as Ottawa rang off two goals to take back the lead, 3-2. Peterborough got the equalizer on the power play as Taylor wristed it in the top corner for a 3-3 tie after a goal-filled first period.

The Petes scored the second period’s only goal. The Petes forced a turnover in their defensive zone and on the rush, Adam Levac wristed one through for a 4-3 lead.

As Ottawa trailed in the third, they made up ground on the power play with less than eight minutes in regulation. Will Gerrior one-timed it through Zach Bowen for a 4-4 tie. In the dying seconds of the game, Ottawa took a shot from the point. The puck was loose in front of Bowen, and after a scramble for the puck, Gerrior buried it for a 5-4 with 11 seconds left to give Ottawa the win.

The Petes have a New Year’s Eve date in St. Catharines to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Tuesday night at the Meridian Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 26-Year-Old Woman

UPDATE: Amber-Leigh has been found, according to Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 26-year-old Amber-Leigh Armstrong, as reported on Monday.

Armstrong is described as:

• White

• Female

• 26 years old

• 5’3’’

• Small build

• Red hair

• Blue eyes

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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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 15-Year-Old Teen Last Seen In Bancroft

UPDATE: The missing person has been found.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 15-year-old James McLean.

McLean was last seen in the area of the Shoppers Drug Mart in Bancroft in the early morning hours of Monday.

McLean is described as:

• Male

• White

• 15 Years Old

• 5’6” Tall

• Medium Build

• Blue Eyes

• Short Brown Hair

No description of the clothing McLean was wearing at the time is available.

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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Public Invited to Attend Mayor’s New Year’s Levee On Jan. 12

The public is invited to join Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors on Jan 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr., for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“2025 will be an important year for the City of Peterborough as we move projects forward, renew infrastructure, and deliver critical services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Please join me and members of City Council for a cup of coffee, tea or juice, light snacks, and some discussion about our community and the exciting plans shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The Mayor’s New Year’s Levee takes place in the Event Room, located on the second floor of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

There is limited parking available at the museum. Free parking is available across the road at Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. and at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

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Reuse Building at Hazardous Waste Depot Closed Jan. 2 - 4

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot’s Reuse Building at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed for maintenance from Jan. 2 to 4.

File Photo.

It will reopen with its regular operating schedule on Jan. 8.

The Reuse Building accepts paints, stains and other reusable products.

The rest of the Household Hazardous Waste Depot will operate on its regular schedule.

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