Free Panel Event For Businesses Regarding U.S. Tariff-Proofing to Run March 4

Business owners across Peterborough and the County are invited to attend a panel, ‘Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs’ to help local businesses navigate the challenges posed by shifting trade policies, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The event is hosted by Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association.

The free event runs on March 4 at Market Hall, with doors opening at 8 a.m. Attendees to network over food and drinks before programming begins at 8:30 a.m. The panel discussion will focus on the impact of U.S. tariffs, changes in consumer buying habits and effective strategies for businesses to mitigate risks and adapt to new trade realities, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“The impact of U.S. tariffs is being felt across our region, and business owners are facing new challenges that require immediate attention,” she said. “We recognized the urgency of this issue and felt it was essential to bring together experts in trade, supply chain management, and finance to provide actionable insights. This panel is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from local businesses, and we’re committed to equipping them with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate these changes successfully.”

The event will begin with opening remarks from Girard, Joel Wiebe of the Peterborough Chamber and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. A panel will feature industry experts, including Bob Armstrong, President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services; Andrea Parkes, Professor of Supply Chain at Fleming College; and Sherry Hill, CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association.

“Canada’s supply chains are critical to our country’s economic success but are under constant upheaval due to the complexity of the supply chain, consumers changing purchasing habits, government interventions, wars and labour shortages,” said Armstrong. “Our largest trade flows are South-North-South with our largest trading partner the USA. Will we see a new, larger flow of goods across Canada east to west, west to east as Canadians trade more with each other? Will Canada increase its exports and imports with the Far East and the EU? That can change supply chain patterns too,” he added.

Panellists will explore key topics such as how tariffs disrupt supply chains, strategies for diversifying suppliers, the impact of trade barriers on local businesses and new market opportunities for Canadian exporters throughout the discussion. Local business owners will also share firsthand experiences on how tariffs are affecting their operations and what steps they are taking to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.

“Our local economy is disrupted,” said Wiebe. “Peterborough sells more than $580 million in goods to the US and businesses here rely on American companies for the goods and materials they produce and sell. This is an opportunity to address the risks in our supply chain.”

Registration for the event can be found at CFP’s website.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Seeking Members to Join Board of Directors

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is seeking members to join its Board of Directors to help shape healthcare in its respective communities, announced on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Chris Feindel, Lesley Heighway, Noel Bennett, Dr. Mike Hartleib, Mike Riseley, Nicholas Stone, Robert Gibson, Dr. Lynn Mikula, Normanne Bland, Connor Kemp, Deb Pidgeon. Not pictured: Caroline Gaffney, Karen Jensen, Peggy McCallum, Nicholas McDonald, Scott Milligan (First Vice Chair), Glenn Rogers, Tom Miller and Lawrence Ebisuzaki. Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

Members of PRHC’s Board of Directors must:

• Have a residence in one of the four counties of Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes

• Reflect the diversity of our changing community

• Bring volunteer Board experience and business/professional skills to our governance processes.

The Board:

• Governs the affairs of PRHC in line with best practices in the sector

• Values and embraces anti-oppression, anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion practices and principles within its governance processes

• Is committed to continuously building a truly inclusive and safe organization at every level

• Supports the implementation of the hospital’s Strategic Plan and ensures that all decisions are made in accordance with the Plan

• Reviews and approves PRHC’s Annual Operating Plan

• Provides oversight to quality of care

• Fosters regional relationships needed for seamless care

PRHC welcomes all applications, in particular from people with background and experience in Government Relations, Quality of Care, and CPA designation or equivalent.

Applications including a cover letter and resume can be addressed to:

Chair, Nominating Sub-Committee, c/o Margaret ClarkSenior Executive Assistant, Administration, Peterborough Regional Health Centre
One Hospital Drive
Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C6

The can also be submitted via email to mclark@prhc.on.ca. All applications are due by Feb. 28.

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Peterborough Petes Score Five Unanswered For Comeback Win Over the Kitchener Rangers

The Peterborough Petes rallied for five straight goals to come back and defeat the Kitchener Rangers 5-3, during their Next Gen game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Next Gen game (in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre) saw the Petes seven kids signed as Next Gen Staff to one-day contracts.

The following are the kids and their respective roles:

• Myles Nugent-Horton: Head Coach

• Abbott Nugent-Horton: General Manager

• Gryffin Tucker: Scout

• Saphira Tuckers: Assistant Coach

• Damien Beaulieu: In-Game Host

• Alexis Beaulieu: Radio Broadcaster

• Bryor Grimes: PA Announcer

As Next Gen Petes, the children had an opportunity to experience the game up close and personal.

(From left to right) Myles Nugent-Horton, Head Coach; Abbott Nugent-Horton; General Manager; Gryffin Tucker; Scout; Saphira Tuckers; Assistant Coach, Damien Beaulieu, In-Game Host; Alexis Beaulieu, Radio Broadcaster and Bryor Grimes, PA Announcer. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes had a rough start to the game. Crucial penalties lead to the game’s first three goals for Kitchener, with two on the power play.

Peterborough started their comeback bid late in the first period as they forced a turnover in the offensive zone. Blake Gowan got the puck from the point, tossed it at the net and Braydon McCallum tipped it in for a 3-1 game at the end of the frame.

Peterborough had a two-man advantage early in the second period and capitalized on their opportunity. Petes defenceman Carson Cameron took a shot at point-blank range but was stopped. There was a mad scramble for the puck and it trickled to the high slot for Brady Stonehouse, who buried it to make it 3-2. Martin Matejicek got on the scoreboard as he received a pass in the high slot. He took a shot on the backhand that found its way through traffic and scored for a 3-3 tie after two periods.

The game was deadlocked for the majority of the third until seven minutes left in regulation. Matejicek struck again as the Petes quickly won the faceoff and received a pass from his defensive partner Rio Kaiser. He one-timed it home for his second of the game and first lead of the night. Petes captain Johnathan Melee added an empty-net goal and Peterborough completed the comeback for a 5-3 win.

The Petes are at home again to host the Brantford Bulldogs at the Peterborough Memorial Cnetre this Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Two Peterborough Women Arrested For Multiple Thefts After Not Scanning All Items At Self-Checkout

Two Peterborough women face multiple theft charges concerning shoplifting incidents at a Peterborough business. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incidents were reported online to the Peterborough Police Service at the business between November and early December. In most cases, the pair would scan some items for payment and not others. In total, almost $4,100 worth of goods was not paid for. 

As a result of an investigation by the Community FIRST Unit:

A 70-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000 x13

The accused attended the Peterborough Police Station on Sunday and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court later that day.

A 27-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000 x9 

• Breach of recognizance x9

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

The accused was held in custody at their residence on Saturday and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Sunday.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lefty’s Barbershop, Fleming College, The Tiffany Show and Canadian Flight Academy

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…

Kim Robichaud is opening a new barbershop in Norwood.

She has been cutting hair for more than 15 years and exclusively barbering for four years. Now she’s opening Lefty’s Barbershop at 2361 County Rd. 45. She offers a full suite of barbering services, including haircuts, beard trims, and straight razor shaves. Kim specializes in scissor cuts, beard work and kids’ cuts. She loves barber work and the atmosphere around it. Drop by Lefty’s in Norwood and see what Kim can do to give you a new look.

Fleming College is sending the next generation of leaders to Mississauga for the Central Region Enactus Exposition on March 5 and 6.

The Fleming team will represent the college in four Impact Challenges: Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability, Desjardins Youth Empowerment, TD Entrepreneurship and Enactus Alumni Innovation and Impact. Each presentation is five minutes long. Enactus is a global student platform that encourages college and university students to get involved in community projects and to create social enterprises. The team is looking for sponsorship to help cover costs of heading to the national competition in Calgary in May and possibly the world event in Bangkok in September.

The Tiffany Show is putting on an International Women’s Day Party on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

Come out to this free event and hear the stories of four amazing local women. There are 200 swag bags for attendees and 50 prizes for a game show-style giveaway. There will be a cash bar, snacks, activities, live art, and self-care demos like massages and manicures. Find out more at thetiffanyshow.ca.

The business park at Peterborough Regional Airport is growing.

Canadian Flight Academy will start building their new facility this year, creating 50 local jobs and generating $20 million in economic activity. The airport is home to more than 20 businesses employing about 500 people. The Canadian Flight Academy will provide enhanced flight training services. The company started as Toronto Airways with flight training in Buttonville in 1963 before purchasing Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998.

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.

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'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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