Peterborough Man Arrested For Mischief After Pulling Fire Alarm and Thermometer

A 30-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after a disturbance at a Peterborough business on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:30 p.m., a man was causing a disturbance in the Bethune Street and Charlotte Street area. He pulled the fire alarm and pulled a thermostat from the wall. Through investigation, a suspect was identified and officers with Community FIRST were able to locate the man a short distance away and take him into custody.

The man arrested and charged with:

• Mischief Under $ 5,000

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X3

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

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on March 18.

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 Get the Split in Back-to-Back Road Games

The Peterborough Petes split their back-to-back road games, taking a loss over the London Knights but earning a shootout win over the Sarnia Sting.

Photo courtesy of Tyler Bennett and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes took a 3-1 loss to the Knights at Canada Life Place on Friday night.

Petes goaltender Easton Rye stopped 35/38 shots in the loss. Colin Fitzgerald had the team’s lone goal while Braydon McCallum picked up an assist, extending his point streak to five games. The game was a milestone for second-year forward Brody Partridge, who skated in his 100th OHL contest.

Peterborough bounced back with a 3-2 shootout win over Sarnia at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Saturday night.

Francis Parish scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season, both in the second period. Fitzgerald had two assists, while Aiden Young and Carson Cameron had one assist each. Rye stopped 25/27 shots and two in the shootout to pick up his ninth win.

The Petes continue their road trip as they will take on the Ottawa 67’s on Wednesday. The game is the first leg of a home-and-home series being played on back-to-back days. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at TD Place.

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 Trent Valley Honda, Escape Maze, Chocolate Creations Festival and Provincial Debate

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…

Trent Valley Honda is celebrating 50 years in business here in the community.

This family-founded business has grown and become a pillar in the local business community since getting its start in 1975. To mark the occasion, Monika Carmichael and the team at Trent Valley Honda are pledging to give back to 50 local charities as a thank you to the community that has supported them over the decades. This includes a $10,000 donation to Junior Achievement for their 10 for 10 initiative, empowering youth through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial education.

Escape Maze has a busy winter planned.

There’s a brand-new escape room called The Candy Factory, which opens for booking starting Feb. 15. Old-timey photos are back for a limited one-week run starting Family Day. After that there’s a March Break camp for kids, a paint and escape special event, and jigsaw puzzle competition and much more. Escape Maze is also putting in a disc golf course and is looking for hole sponsors. Find out more at escapemaze.ca or drop by 156 Cedar Bank Road just south of Peterborough.

There are still a few days left to check out the Chocolate Creations Festival in Lakefield.

Hosted by the Lakefield Village Lions Club, you can discover some delicious and creative chocolate-themed treats around town and help crown the ultimate Chocolate Champions. Taste, enjoy, and cast your vote for your favorites in Food, Drink, and Creativity. You have until Feb. 18 to sample some sweet goods from local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.

There’s a provincial election underway and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is putting business issues to the forefront with two events.

There’s a Coffee with the Candidates event on Thursday at the Lakefield Community Centre at the arena from 9 to 10 a.m. There will also be an all candidates debate on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Market Hall. The focus will be on local business issues and all are welcome at these free events.

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.

Peterborough Petes Raise $45,153 For 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign

The Peterborough Petes have officially announced their fundraising total for the 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign, raising $45,153 in support of Pedal for Hope, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

This year’s campaign featured a month-long fundraising effort, including an online donation page, t-shirts, window stickers, and replica jersey sales. The Petes hosted their Pink in the Rink Game against the Oshawa Generals on Saturday. More fundraising took place during the game, with a silent auction, Chuck-A-Pep, and on-ice game jersey auction all adding to the total.

In addition to supporting pediatric cancer research, the Pedal for Hope tour also raises funds to support the Pediatric Family Counselling Service. This program provides much-needed support to families and children coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as young adults who have surpassed their diagnosis as they transition into adulthood.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.