Trent University Appoints Interim Vice President

Dr. Mark Skinner has been announced as Trent University’s interim provost and vice-president, effective June 1, as Dr. Michael Khan takes on a new role as president of Saint Mary’s University in July.

Dr. Mark Skinner, new interim VP, Academic. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Since 2018, Skinner has served as dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, overseeing Trent’s most prominent academic division and playing a pivotal role in faculty renewal, program development, and interdisciplinary growth according to Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

“Dr. Skinner’s extensive experience and commitment to advancing Trent’s academic excellence make him ideal to lead as Provost and VP Academic,” she said. “As a leader, researcher, and educator, he has long been a champion for student success, faculty scholarship, innovative programming and community engagement. We look forward to his leadership in this interim role as we continue to build on Trent’s strong academic foundation.” 

Since joining Trent as a geography professor in 2006, Dr. Skinner has held various leadership positions, including founding director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging. As dean, he has worked with Dr. Khan to strengthen Trent’s academic offerings in the humanities, social sciences and business. His contributions to University initiatives include Trent’s sector-leading Indigenous course requirement and the research and teaching agreement that is pivotal to the University’s future Seniors Village.

“I love the Trent community and believe strongly in the values that nurture and sustain our exceptional student learning experience,” said Dr. Skinner. “I look forward to leading and supporting our inspiring faculty as we continue to create opportunities for students to explore their interests, expand their horizons and succeed in building meaningful and impactful careers.”

Dr. Michael Khan, new president, Saint Mary's University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Dr. Khan has served as Trent’s provost and vice president of academics since 2020. While at Trent, Dr. Khan spearheaded the development of the University’s Academic Plan, guided by 12 core principles to strengthen academic programming, research and student success.

“Dr. Khan has made a lasting impact on Trent’s academic landscape,” said Bruce. “His leadership has strengthened our program offerings, expanded student opportunities, and contributed to a thriving and inclusive academic community. We are grateful for his many contributions to Trent and wish him success in his next chapter.” 

“My time at Trent has been a tremendous experience,” said Dr. Khan. “I feel privileged to have worked with exceptional colleagues at an institution that is so agile in its academic planning that we could respond to the changing needs and interests of both students and the professional sector and launch innovative programs. Connecting with students to learn about their goals and aspirations is what drives my work, and I hope the work that we have done here will be as meaningful for today’s and tomorrow’s Trent students as it is for me.”

Plans for a formal search for Trent’s next provost and vice-president, Academic, are in development. 

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United Way to Put On Debate For Provincial Candidates This Wednesday

Provincial candidates have been invited to a debate focused on homelessness in our Peterborough community, held at the All Saints’ Anglican Church from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The debate is put on by United Way of Peterborough & District, One City Peterborough, the Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University and All Saints’ Anglican Church.

It will be open to both in-person and virtual audiences. Questions will be sent in advance to all of the candidates, and community members will be able to ask questions in person and virtually.

Homelessness in Peterborough has been a growing issue for several years, says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District.

“The issue of homelessness and the ravages it has on those experiencing it, cries out, indeed demands leadership, in particular political leadership. We are keen to hear how these candidates will lead our community in ensuring safe affordable, supportive housing for all,” he said. “It is critical that all candidates of each respective political party speak directly to this crisis.”

He continues to state that the provincial government has a significant mandate over housing in Ontario. With an upcoming election, four community organizations partnered to bring an all-candidates debate on homelessness to Peterborough.

“The starting point for any response to homelessness is to adopt a Human Rights orientation to developing community responses” said Dr. Naomi Nichols of the Research for Social Change Lab. “We are pleased to be collaborating with One City and United Way in hosting this event and look forward to the responses from the candidates.”

“More and more of our neighbours are being pushed into homelessness at an alarming rate,” said Christian Harvey, One City Peterborough executive director. “Whoever leads our province next needs to prioritize a plan to address this in a meaningful way. Few issues are as pressing as this in the City of Peterborough and in our province.”

The following are the candidates running for Peterborough-Kawartha MPP:

• Dave Smith, Conservative (incumbent)

• Jen Deck, NDP

• Adam Hopkins, Liberal

• Lucas Graham, Green party

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Peterborough Petes Grounded 7-2 to Visiting Flint Firebirds

The Peterborough Petes did not have the best night as they were routed by the Flint Firebirds, 7-2, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre during Mental Health Awareness Night on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough got the start they wanted by scoring early. The Petes forced a turnover with heavy forechecking in the offensive zone. Adam Levac got the loose puck and backhanded it in past Firebirds goalie Nathan Day for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for the Petes, Flint scored the following four goals that leaked into the middle of the second period.

Brady Stonehouse got one back for the Petes late in the second on the powerplay from a one-timed shot in the high slot to cut the lead to two. Flint retaliated 33 seconds later to make it 5-2 after two periods.

Peterborough did what they could to try and play catch up but the visitors tacked on a goal early from former Pete Sam McCue on the power play and a late period goal to seal it, 7-2.

The Petes hit the road as they travel to London to take on the defending-champion London Knights. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Canada Life Place.

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Peterborough Man Arrested and Charged for Two Instances of Theft

A 36-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after two theft reports.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At around noon, Community FIRST Unit officers located a suspect matching the description of the male in the theft reports in the area of Aylmer Street and Simcoe Street. He was taken into custody and during search after arrest a laptop and a set of keys from a business were located. Both items were returned to the owners.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada X2

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

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

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Peterborough Lakers Season Tickets On Sale Starting Monday

The Peterborough Lakers are selling season tickets for the 2025 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season starting Monday at the Grant Thornton Box Office, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Season tickets grant the following:

• Guaranteed seats for all nine regular season home games (No playoff games included)

• Exclusive savings compared to single-game tickets

• Priority access to playoff tickets

• Special offers and promotions for season ticket holders

• Be part of the Lakers' passionate lacrosse community

• Season tickets can be pre-printed or picked up at Will Call

• Passes to Jr. A and Jr. C Lakers games are included

“We can’t wait to welcome our incredible fans back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” said Robert Hope, Lakers captain. “The energy our supporters bring to each game fuels our players and helps us strive for greatness year after year.”

Season tickets must be renewed in person at the Peterborough Memorial Centre Grant Thornton box office, open Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Windsor Murder Suspect Arrested In Peterborough; Another Teenager Also Arrested For Accessory to Murder

The Windsor Police Service, in collaboration with the Peterborough Police Service, have arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Muhamad Taupan, for first-degree murder and a 16-year-old youth for accessory to murder, announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Jan. 27, police arrived at 400 block of Wyandotte St. E. in Windsor after receiving a report of an unresponsive man outdoors. Officers located 53-year-old Sean Shuart who suffered from a single gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Police say a preliminary investigation determined the victim was fatally shot following a verbal altercation with another man. The suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

The Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit took charge of the investigation and soon determined that the suspect, initially known as the suspect, had fled the Windsor area. Investigative efforts led officers to Peterborough, where a coordinated operation between Windsor Police and Peterborough Police was initiated.

At roughly 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers conducted a high-risk arrest in the George Street North and Simcoe Street area in Peterborough.

The teens were taken into custody without incident and during a search of the pair after arrest, officers seized:

• Replica pellet gun

• Large, sheathed machete

• Bear spray

• 21.5 grams of Fentanyl

• Pills

• Canadian currency

• Digital scales

  • Multiple cell phones

Further investigative work and a thorough review of the evidence led to the identification of Muhamad Taupan, also known as “TY,” as the murder suspect.

Taupan has been returned to Windsor and charged with first-degree murder.

The Peterborough Police Service has also charged him with the following:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (x 2)

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

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (x 2)

• Carrying a concealed weapon (x 2)

The 16-year-old male — whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — was charged with accessory to the murder of Sean Shuart.

He has also been charged in Peterborough with the following:

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

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

• Failure to comply with a release order

• Failure to comply with a sentence

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Hometown PTBO: Kelli & Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials Celebrating 40 Years of Business and Their Induction Into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials about celebrating 40 years of business, being inducted into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame and their roles with the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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Trent University and PRHC Partner For Healthcare Advancement In Peterborough

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are partnering to advance healthcare with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities and student volunteer opportunities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”

“At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

As outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on various initiatives highlighting the two institutions' strengths, including research, leadership development and experiential learning for post-secondary students, according to Trent.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC

• Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers

• Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students

• Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership

• Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent

• Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

"When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, president, PRHC Foundation.

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Peterborough Woman Charged With Drug Trafficking With Value Over $400,000

A 26-year-old Tirath Odea is facing drug-related charges after a joint investigation between the Peterborough Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service Drug Unit and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began this investigation last summer after an increase in drug trafficking activity throughout Peterborough and the surrounding area.

On Jan. 28, five search warrants were executed in Peterborough, Durham Region and York Region by members from the Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response team, OPP OCEB, Peterborough OPP Detachment, City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), and Peterborough County/Northumberland OPP CSCU.

As a result, the investigative team seized:

• Approx. 1.5 kilograms of Fentanyl

• Approx  1.6 kilograms of Cocaine

• 30 opioid tablets

• More than $5000 in Canadian currency

• 9 Electronic devices (eight cell phones and one laptop)

• Digital scales

The total street value of the seizure was $470,000.

Odea was arrested and charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine X2

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl X2

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - other opioid X2

• Possession of Property obtained by Crime Section

The accused was remanded into custody and appeared in court on Jan. 31.

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Peterborough Police Rescue Man Who Was Found In Hypothermic State In Jackson Park

A 61-year-old Peterborough male is recovering after officers found him outside in Jackson Park Wednesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers received a call about a man who had not shown up for a medical appointment. He had been known to frequent Jackson Park so officers started searching the park with the assistance of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and K9. 

At about 9:30 p.m., officers located the man in the park in a hypothermic state. With the assistance of Peterborough Fire Services and EMS, he was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment. 

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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