Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Sets 2025 Fundraising Goal; Team Registration Opens Saturday

The 24th-annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival has set its 2025 fundraising goal of $260,018.01 for the PRHC Foundation and registration for the event opens this Saturday.

To date, the Festival has raised over 4.5 million dollars. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Michelle Thornton, festival chair, explains the precise amount of this year’s fundraising goal.

“The two represents the two out of five Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The 60 is to bring attention to the PRHC Foundation’s 60 million dollar ‘ReImagine Health Care’ campaign that we are a part of,” she explained. “In keeping with our mandate of raising awareness about breast cancer, the 18 is for the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the 0.01 is the percentage of men who will also face a breast cancer diagnosis.”

“But most importantly, what’s raised here, stays here,” said Thornton. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and if we keep paddling together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of family, friends and neighbours in our region, who are facing this rotten disease.”

The event is hosted by the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team. It has fundraised for the PRHC Foundation since 2001.

Ann Stabler, Survivors Abreast team President, said they are proud of the outstanding community work the team has done since its inception in 1999. 

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” she explained. “We know firsthand the importance of the work the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHCF) does and their continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer right here to our hospital.” 

“We’re excited to get back out on the water this June, paddling for a cause that has touched so many lives,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “As cancer volumes continue to rise in Peterborough and the surrounding area, it’s more important than ever to invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment our regional hospital needs to care for our family, friends and neighbours. The support from Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival is absolutely vital to ensuring PRHC has the tools to provide world-class cancer care, close to home. We're so grateful for the Festival's commitment to cancer care and the Campaign for PRHC.”

This year’s event is back at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, a Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more.

All pledges support the cause as the Festival is funded through local businesses and organizations.

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 Police Seeking Two Theft Suspects Involved In Pickpocketing At Lansdowne Place Parking Lot

The Peterborough Police Service are seeking two suspects involved in a pickpocketing incident at the Lansdowne Place Mall parking lot that occurred Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1 p.m., a 75-year-old resident reported that he had been running errands when a man and a woman in the north parking lot at Lansdowne Place Mall near Lansdowne Street and Monaghan Road approached him.  

The woman said he had something on his coat and started trying to clean him off when the man approached and started helping her despite the victim declining their help. When they left him, he noticed his wallet was missing and about $4,000 had been taken through his cards before they could be cancelled. 

The suspects were described to police as:

Suspect #1

• White, female

• 5’6

• 150 lbs.

• Wearing a dark hat and dark coat, medical mask on her face and what sounded like an Eastern European accent

Suspect #2

• White, male

• 5’10

• 180 lbs.

• Wearing a grey coat with a multi-coloured scarf, wearing a medical mask and also had what sounded like an Eastern European accent

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

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 In Final Stretch Of Reaching $1.5 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District is in the final stretch of its community campaign as it approaches its goal of fundraising $1.5 million, announced on Monday.

United Way had announced its 2025 campaign goal of $1.5 Million to be raised in September last year. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The organization is down to its last $117,000 and have until March to reach the goal since they started in September.

“The work of the campaign is not done yet though; with an ambitious goal of $1.5 million, United Way needs to raise a final $117,000 before March 31st in order to achieve the goal. The campaign goal is so much more than just a number,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “It serves as both a sign of the level of need in our community, but also as a beacon of hope. Achieving the campaign goal means that our community came together, recognized the need, and responded.”

“Being a part of this effort has been truly inspiring,” said Shirley Turner, United Way campaign cabinet. “Seeing our community come together—neighbours, businesses, and even strangers—united by a shared purpose and working hard towards a shared goal is amazing. We set a priority of having fun this campaign and it has paid off.”

All eligible donations made by Feb.28th can be claimed on your 2024 taxes after the federal government extended the deadline.

United Way’s ‘Double Your Difference’ campaign is still in effect. Any Donation made by individuals who did not give in 2023 will be matched entirely. Individuals who gave in 2023 can participate by increasing their gift by 10 per cent or more and the increased amount will be matched.

The public can d onate by March 31 through one or more of the following methods:

• Donate in person at 277 Stewart St. on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Donate over the phone by calling 705-742-8839 ext. 3

• Donate online at https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/WPETER

• Purchase tickets to United Way’s upcoming events such as Peterborough Performs and its associated online auction (details to come)

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.

Snofest to Bring Winter Fun On Family Day Weekend

The City of Peterborough is putting on a weekend of winter fun, skating, stories and pancakes as Snofest returns, starting Friday until Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“Snofest is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and embrace the magic of winter right here in Peterborough. On behalf of City Council, I encourage everyone to bundle up, join the fun, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Let’s celebrate the season and the spirit of our great city,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Recycle Your Batteries Canada! is sponsoring the event and encourages residents to bring their used batteries to events for safe recycling.

Snofest begins Friday with a free family swim at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. There are tea and tabletop games for grown-ups at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre earlier in the day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Peterborough DBIA are at at Quaker Foods City Square for ice bubbles and Sno-ga (yoga in the snow) and a live DJ. Residents can also enjoy free public skating on the outdoor rink from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Peterborough Public Library has with Drag Story Time with Betty Baker at 10:15 a.m. and Crafternoon featuring Shibori-inspired paper snowflakes beginning at 1 p.m.

The Mayor’s annual Pancake Breakfast takes place Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join Mayor Leal and the East Peterborough Lion’s Club at the Sport and Wellness Centre for a complimentary plate of hot pancakes.

Residents can explore the Art Gallery of Peterborough and make their own Snofest Pete to take home during Snofest Family Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There are drop-in sports at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on Monday beginning with pickleball at 6:15 a.m. 

New events this year include a pay-what-you-can Snofest Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the East Peterborough Lion’s Club and Young Adults of Peterborough Lion’s Club at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre on Saturday beginning at 6p.m. A Snofest Family Skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, takes place Monday, February 17 at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., from 12 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

“The City of Peterborough has been an outstanding partner for our Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program, and an example of municipal leadership in battery recycling and sustainability,” said Joseph Chung, Vice-President of Account Management, Call2Recycle Canada. “We are thrilled to be part of Snofest and to contribute to Peterborough’s vibrant community and environmental initiatives. Through our collaboration, we will continue keeping batteries out of landfills and protecting the environment.”

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.

City of Peterborough to Receive Over $10 Million Over Three Years Through the Housing Accelerator Fund

The City of Peterborough will receive $10,690,354 in funding over three years through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

It is a federal program run by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to support building more housing in Peterborough.

“Housing is a critical need in our community. This funding will help Peterborough build the foundation for greater housing development in our community. I would like to thank the federal government and the CMHC for recognizing the urgency here in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

A City Council report in March will outline details about the initiatives and next steps.

The City’s HAF Action Plan aims to unlock housing development by providing direct incentives for constructing additional dwelling units, missing middle housing such as triplexes and fourplexes, and affordable housing and making systemic changes to municipal policies and procedures according to the City.

The following is the list of initiatives that make up the City’s Action Plan:

• Reduce or eliminate residential parking requirements;

• End exclusionary zoning and incentivize missing middle housing;

• Increase process efficiency by implementing a public-facing e-permitting portal;

• Implement a Community Planning Permit System;

• Make City-owned land available and foster partnerships to develop housing;

• Formalize processes and resources to support housing innovation and alternative construction methods; and,

• Modernizing the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.

The HAF grant will cover the cost of implementing these initiatives. Most of these initiatives are scheduled to be completed or implemented this year.

The City has already received 25 per cent of the funding. The remaining installments will be paid out as the City hits key milestones in its goal to issue residential construction permits for 1,410 housing units within the next three years.

This funding follows a successful application by the City during the second round of funding announced by the CMHC.

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.

18 Growth-Stage Companies Accepted into Innovation Cluster's LevelUp For $10,000 Prize

Peterborough and the Kawarthas (Innovation Cluster) has launched the first 2025 cohort of LevelUp, its business accelerator program for technology companies with a minimum viable product (MVP).

File Photo.

LevelUP’s 12-week program is designed to help innovative tech-based businesses commercialize and scale. It includes branding, revenue models, product management, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, funding and exit strategies. On April 30, this LevelUP cohort concludes with a pitch competition in which eight participating companies will compete for a $10,000 cash prize.

The pitch competition is made possible by the following industry-leading companies that are each sponsoring both 2025 LevelUP cohorts:

• Matrix Venture Studio is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and growing businesses in Canada to achieve their entrepreneurial goals and build successful ventures.

• LaunchPath is a business incubator and accelerator that helps businesses launch and grow in Canada by offering various services, from coaching and mentorship to funding and resources.

• Innovation Venture Farm Inc. is a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial hub that provides innovators with the resources, mentorship, and funding to turn groundbreaking ideas into successful products.

“The popularity and quality of companies applying to LevelUP demonstrate the need that entrepreneurs in the region have in scaling their businesses,” said Zahra Shafiei, Program Lead. In helping these companies navigate growth challenges and accelerate their businesses, the Innovation Cluster is honoured to be part of their success.”

Open to companies across the province, each ‘LevelUp’ cohort has been oversubscribed.

The companies accepted into the Spring 2025 LevelUp cohort are:

• Assertive AI

• Cherie AI

• DocumentPro

• FuturU Global Health, Inc.

• Happy Cramps

• Her Yes Club

• Leapon

• MainLogix Technology

• MantaHQ

• Morphace, Inc.

• MYWALLAPP

• Ninichef Education Labs, Inc.

• Parham PKM

• Reziland

• Salleo

• Sanostrategy Corporation

• Storetune Fashion Retail, Inc.

• Yadag Technologies, Inc.

Upon completing LevelUP, participating businesses will be prepared to market test and scale their business with a realistic go-to-market strategy and investor pitch.

The second 2025 cohort will begin on Aug. 6 and will be offered free of charge to participants. The Innovation Cluster encourages all growth-stage technology companies that have achieved MVP or are deploying it to apply by July 15.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.

• Must be an innovation-driven business with a MVP and a team committed to growth and collaboration.

• Must be a company based in Ontario.

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 Sign American Goaltender to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes has signed American goaltender Dylan Lee-Stack to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The New York, N.Y. native attended both Petes development and training camp as an undrafted free agent last year. Last season, the 2007-born goaltender played 18 games for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16U, with a 2.83 GAA. He also played in eight games for Brunswick School in Connecticut, picking up a 1.86 GAA and a .927 save percentage.

“Dylan had a great camp with us in August,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He had an opportunity to go back to Brunswick School this season, where we’ve been able to monitor his development both on video and in person. He’s a composed, young goaltender and we’re looking forward to having him join the team in the future.”

Last month, Lee-Stack was ranked 30th for North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s Mid-Term Rankings for the 2025 NHL draft. He joins Carson Cameron (87), Caden Taylor (113), and Aiden Young (183), who were also mentioned in the rankings. This year, Lee-Stack has suited up for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U and Brunswick School, where he will finish the season.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work that Head Coach Mike Kennedy and the rest of the staff who work with Dylan at Brunswick have put in to further his development over the past two years,” said Oke. “They’ve done a great job in preparing him for this next step in his career.”

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.

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.