'Peter Robinson' Brought to Life As Grand Marshall For 25th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

To honour the 25th anniversary of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade, the event is getting a blast from the past as ‘Peter Robinson’ has been named the Grand Marshall for this year’s event, announced at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

Tim Burke, Parade organizer (left), M. John Kennedy, actor (Peter Robinson) (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor (right) march down George Street as a taste of things to come for March 16. Kennedy is also running a workshop to audition for theatre schools and ‘Fireside Munsch’ for this year’s Brand New Stages Festival at The Theatre on King and Market Hall respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Actor M. John Kennedy plays the part of Robinson for the parade and in 4th Line Theatre’s production of ‘Wild Irish Geese’ from July 29 to Aug. 30.

Robinson, a Canadian politician and colonial administrator, was known to supervise the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada. This year marks the 200th anniversary of that event.

“Peter Robinson was an advocate for responsible government, along with Lord Baldwin in 1849, so my job as Mayor of Peterborough, you can really trace it back to Peter Robinson, responsible government and the whole concept of British parliamentary democracy from Great Britain,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor.

This year hits two other milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the parade and the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force.

“It's such a delight to be able to be here and represent him in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Peterborough, a place I grew up, I have a deep connection with the community,” explained Kennedy. “It's thrilling not only to bring this character to 4th Line this summer with 'Wild Irish Geese' but also to be here for this wonderful St. Patrick's Day Parade.”

For the past two years, former sportscaster Dan O’Toole and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson were named Grand Marshalls to their respective parades. This year, Tim Burke, parade organizer, opted to go with a revival of Peter Robinson after getting the idea from Mary Smith, Nine Ships vice-chair.

“Right off the bat, I went, 'Wow, what a great idea,’” explained Burke. “She knew a gentleman that plays the role and the connection with 4th Line Theatre is also amazing. As soon as she said it, a light bulb went off in my head.”

The parade is scheduled for March 16 at 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 at 11 1.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Over 100 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.

To register for the parade, visit their parade’s website and apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at timburke77@yahoo.com.

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Peterborough Golf and Country Club Announces Winners Curling' 'Hearts n’ Hammers' Women's Bonspiel

The winners of Peterborough Golf and Country Club’s invitational women’s bonspiel ‘Hearts n’ Hammers 2025’ were announced on Friday.

The event featured sixteen teams representing eight clubs that ran on Wednesday.

The early draw saw Susan Barnard, Tracy Kennedy, Kristin Lee and Mary Frances Thompson of Team Barnard (Peterborough Curling Club) victorius.

The late draw was won by Rachel Duffus, Joanne Dowdall-Brown, Barb Westgate and Stephanie Langlois of Team Dowdall-Brown (Renfrew Curling Club).

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New Peterborough Library Branch Set to Open Tuesday at Miskin Law Community Complex

With over 10,000 new titles just waiting to be read, the new Peterborough Public Library Branch at the Miskin Law Community Complex is set to open this Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Jennifer Jones, library CEO and director, cultural services. prepares the Library in the children’s area. The new location features over 10,000 titles with all brand new books. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The library features a contemporary youth-oriented collection, several aisles filled with graphic novels, a children’s area, four public computers and a dedicated display of popular trending titles. All existing library cards from the main branch on Alymer Street can also be used at the new location.

Programs are being planned to operate in the summer, including story time events. The Library will also use the multi-purpose room space on the floor above them.

“This new branch serves as a vibrant community hub where residents can gather, learn and grow together,” said Jennifer Jones, library CEO and director, cultural services.

The branch’s operating hours run Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The branch is located on the main floor of the Miskin Law Community Complex. The facility opened on Jan. 15, featuring two arenas and an indoor walking track. The library was initially scheduled to open on Feb. 1 at the grand opening but was pushed back due to ongoing construction.

A grand opening celebration for the new branch will take place at a later date. A branch name has not been decided. City Council, with input from the Peterborough Public Library Board, will release a name at a future undisclosed date.

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List of City Services During Family Day

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday.

File Photo.

Snofest events will occur from Friday to Monday. With a full list of events at peterborough.ca/Snofes.

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24/7. The City offers various online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

Waste collection and landfill

There will be no changes to the curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday.

Airport

The Peterborough Airport is open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough, located at 250 Crescent St., will be closed. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit agp.on.ca.

Downtown Youth Space

The drop-in youth program is closed on Monday, February 17. Downtown Youth Space programming is located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at peterborough.ca/DYS.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Family Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Arenas

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed except to scheduled user groups.

Miskin Law Community Complex

A free Snofest Family Day public skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, will occur from noon to 1:50 p.m. The walking track at Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Petes annual Family Day hockey game will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday at 2:05 p.m., with the Peterborough Petes hosting the Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are available online at memorialcentre.ca or by calling the Grant Thornton Box Office at 705-743-3561. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink

The outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St., will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snofest Drop-in Sports, featuring pickleball, badminton and basketball, will take place from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Family Day.

Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including locations.

Provincial Offences Act office

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on February 17. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.

Social Services

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, February 18. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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Peterborough Police Service Warn Public of Grandparent Scam Re-Emerging

The Peterborough Police Service has received three reports of grandparent scams in the past 24 hours in Peterborough. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In each case, victims in their 70s and 80s were told their grandchild was in trouble and needed money for bail. The victim is then called by a person claiming to be the grandchild or someone claiming to be a lawyer.  They are also told not to contact anyone about the transaction and to call a specific number when they have the money and an agent of the court would be by to pick it up. About $17,000 was lost in the three incidents. 

In each case, the description of the woman picking up the money is similar:

• Female, slender and about 5’8

• Long Dark Hair

• Slim face

• Dark Eyes

• Possible French Accent

• Wearing a dark top, dress pants and an elegant dark coat

• Her demeanour was described as very professional

• Used the name of ‘Sarah Marshall’ in one incident

The incidents occurred in the following areas:

• Brock Street and Reid Street

• Dutton Road and Hilliard Street

• Whitaker Street and Armour Road

Anyone with cameras that may have captured anything between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the listed areas or anyone with information about these or similar incidents is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555.  You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

Peterborough Police reminds the public that law enforcement or the courts will not ask for money or pick up money from a private residence. If you receive such a call, please talk to a trusted person about the situation and don’t give in to the caller's urgency.

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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Lakefield Farmers’ Market's Season Extended to End of October; Vendor Applications Now Open

To give the community more opportunities to enjoy fresh, local food and market favourites, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market is extending its season until the end of October, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

Since 2009, the market has traditionally operated from Victoria Day until Thanksgiving. However, after welcoming over 12,000 visitors in 2024, a two-week season extension was introduced as a trial run.

The decision for the permanent season extension was made after a positive response from both vendors and customers, according to Stacey Sullivan, market manager.

“We are thrilled to offer a longer market season for our customers,” she explained. “There is a growing desire to shop local, and we are proud to provide even more opportunities for our community to connect with fresh, high-quality food and products.”

The 2025 season kicks off on May 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind the Lakeeld-Smith Community Centre and runs through Oct. 30.

Vendor applications for the 2025 season are open. Local growers, prepared food vendors, and artisans are invited to apply for full-season or daily (pop-up) spots. Applications close March 2.

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2025 Inductees Announced For Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors have announced the names of six people as inductees for the class of 2025.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

The following are this year’s inductees:

Paul Day (Builder: Lacrosse)

The Peterborough-born coach is well-known in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) communities. As the general manager of the Peterborough Lakers, Day assembled four consecutive Mann Cup championship teams. He won two NLL Championships with the Buffalo Bandits and four with the Rochester Knighthawks. Day played for the Minto Cup Champion Peterborough Jr. Maulers. He is currently the general manager of the NLL’s Philadelphia Wings. He has also been inducted into the Ontario and Canadian Lacosse Halls of Fame.

David Lean (Athlete: Water Skiing)

Peterborough-born and Apsley-raised, Lean competed in two World Water Ski Championships, was a North American Water Ski Champion, a three-time Canadian Champion, the 1960 Ontario Water Ski Champion – closed and open, the 1964 and 1965 Ontario Open champion and was the 1966 Canadian Invitational overall and tricks champion. He was the first Canadian to complete the ‘wake toe hold’ trick in competition. He was a regular performer at the annual Canadian National Exhibition Water Ski Show.

Frank Mazza (Athlete: Wheelchair Paralympian)

Born with cerebral palsy, Mazza started racing in 1982 and represented Canada internationally from 1983 to 1986. Known as "‘Fast Frank Mazza,’ he was a gold medal Paralympian and a gold, silver and bronze World Games Paralympic medalist among his many accomplishments. Frank raced using only his left arm to propel his wheelchair while competing against two-arm wheelers. He held national and provincial records in many events.

Bill Plager (Athlete: Hockey)

Plager came to Peterborough in 1962 to play for the TPT Petes. He spent the 1963-64 season with the Lachine Maroons before returning to play for the Petes from 1964 to 1966. With stints in the CHL and AHL, he would go on to play for the NHL's Minnesota North Stars, Atlanta Flames and St. Louis Blues. He got the rare opportunity to play for four years and teamed up with his brothers Barclay and Bob while playing for the St. Louis Blues. The 68-69 Blues were Western Division Champions and Stanley Cup finalists. Following his 294-game NHL career, Plaguer returned to Peterborough. He contributed to the community by coaching PHA boys and PGHA girl’s teams.

Andrea (Cranley) Prieur (Builder: Lacrosse)

Peterborough native and St. Peter High School graduate Prieur has travelled the world as a member of the Canadian Medical team at Olympic, Commonwealth, Pan Am and World University games over her 20+ years as an athletic therapist. She has been a head therapist for several championships in Canada, including IIHF World Women’s Hockey, Canadian Figure Skating, CPGA Golf and Varsity and Club sports. Through ongoing education and experience, Andrea has prepared to become a world-class therapist, providing medical service to high-prestige events.

Darl Sutherland (Athlete: Long-Distance Running)

Sutherland’s career started when he came to Peterborough from Bancroft to attend Sir Sandford Fleming College. He is an OCAA gold medalist and a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association cross-country silver and bronze medalist. He captained the Fleming Knights to the 2001-02 OCAA Championship. As a marathon runner, he has won numerous events and competed in the Boston, Philadelphia and New York Marathons. He is one of Peterborough’s most prolific distant runners. Running has been Darl’s life, translating into coaching high school track and field and Special Olympics. He continues to coach at Sir Sandford Fleming College and Team Ontario.

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Hometown PTBO: Dennis Nephin Bringing Kawartha Ribfest to Peterborough Aug. 22-24 at Del Crary Park

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Dennis Nephin about bringing Kawartha Ribfest to Del Crary Park from Aug. 22-24th, what to expect and why he opted to keep the event going in Peterborough.

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Peterborough Petes' Thursday Game Postponed to Friday Due to Weather Conditions

The Peterborough Petes will have to wait one more day to get revenge on the Ottawa 67’s as their Thursday night matchup has been postponed to Friday due to the inclement weather and poor travel conditions, announced by the Ontario Hockey League on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Tim Austen and the Peterborough Petes.

This game is the second leg of a home-and-home series which was originally scheduled for back-to-back days. The Petes were shut out by the Ottawa 67’s 3-0 on Wednesday night at TD Place.

Puck drop remains scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

All tickets for Thursday’s game will be honoured on Friday.

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City to Tow Vehicles Parked on Residential Streets During Snow Removal

Vehicles parked on City of Peterborough streets while snow removal operations are underway will be towed to ensure clear access for snow plows, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City declared a Significant Weather Event on Wednesday due to a winter storm that resulted in significant snowfall from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. The City’s Significant Weather Event declaration continues as cleanup efforts continue.

Winter parking restrictions are in place. Parking or stopping a vehicle is prohibited on any city street while snow removal operations are underway. Moving a vehicle onto the road to clear a residential driveway is prohibited under the by-law if it interferes with snow removal operations.

Infractions will result in an $80 penalty notice and the vehicle will be towed.

The City began issuing penalty notices and towing notices on Thursday as part of the snow-clearing response.

Vehicles parked on streets north of Parkhill Road will be relocated to the Milroy Park parking lot (242 Milroy Dr.). Vehicles towed from streets south of Parkhill Road will be relocated to the Eastgate Memorial Park parking lot, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.

Any vehicle not claimed from those locations by 9 a.m. Friday may be subject to further enforcement action, including a tow and impoundment by the tow operator at the vehicle owner’s expense. 

Free overnight parking is available during snowstorms in the King Street Parkade, the Simcoe Parking Garage and on municipal surface lots. Drivers can use the parking garage entrance ticket for a free ride home on Peterborough Transit.

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