Justin Trudeau Announces Development of High-Speed Rail For Canada; Peterborough Listed As A Stop

Canada is developing a high-speed rail network called ‘Alto’ in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor with Peterborough as one of the stops, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday.

Google Maps Screenshot.

The rail network will span approximately 1,000 km and reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour. Peterborough has been named one of the stops including Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City.

The rail claims that travel times will be slashed in half as Montréal to Toronto becomes a three-hour trip.

“Today’s announcement of Alto, a high-speed rail system between Toronto and Quebec City, will transform our economy – drastically shortening commute times for millions of Canadians, turbocharging economic growth, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, improving productivity, and reducing emissions,” said Trudeau.

The Federal Government says this is the country’s largest-ever infrastructure project, claiming it will turbocharge the Canadian economy by boosting GDP by up to $35 billion annually, creating over 51,000 jobs during construction and unlocking enhanced productivity for several decades. The Government continues to say that the electrified high-speed rail will help Canada reduce its emissions and meet its climate targets.

The Liberal government launched a six-year $3.9 billion design and development plan of $3.9 billion starting in 2024-25. This is in addition to the $371.8 million provided in Budget 2024.

Cadence has been selected to co-design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project. They will collaborate and support Alto as work begins on detailed design, Indigenous consultations, land acquisition, and the environmental assessments necessary to enable construction.

This decision results from years of careful deliberations and de-risking, as well as meaningful investment from the Government of Canada, according to a press release.

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Lansdowne Place Evacuated and Temporarily Closed While Peterborough Police Investigate

UPDATED: 4:57 p.m. 19/02-25

Peterborough Police Service urges the public to stay clear of Lansdowne Place after the mall had been temporarily closed and evacuated for an investigation on Wednesday afternoon.

File Photo.

Police responded to a call for service just after 2 p.m.

The mall has been closed as a precaution for the day. Police have not disclosed the reason for the closure. Police also state that they have no timeframe for the mall’s reopening at this time.

Peterborough Police Service officers have continued their presence in the area and all entrances to the mall are currently blocked.

The Peterborough Police Service RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) will be up as part of the investigation.

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Two People Displaced From Home After Residential Fire On Denne Crescent

A residential fire broke out at a home on Denne Crescent and two people were displaced as a result early Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Peterborough Fire Services responded to the call at 7:45 a.m. Heavy smoke was observed venting under pressure from multiple openings, with fire on the main floor and in the roof/attic area.

Fire crews successfully accessed the structure and initiated aggressive search, vent and fire suppression operations. They could confine the fire to the main floor and associated attic area.

Heat and smoke have caused extensive damage to the remainder of the property. Peterborough Fire Services remains on the scene for further investigation.

Peterborough Fire Services believes the cause of the fire is accidental.

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Omemee Man Charged With Impaired Driving After Two Rear-Ended Collisions

A 41-year-old Omemee man is facing several charges, including impaired driving, after multiple incidents on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 2:10 p.m., a collision occurred at Lansdowne Street and The Parkway. Another struck one vehicle from behind and was eventually moved to a nearby parking lot. A second minor collision occurred between the vehicle that had rear-ended the vehicle at the light and a parked vehicle. Officers noticed signs of impairment upon speaking with the vehicle driver, who had rear-ended the other.  An investigation revealed that the 41-year-old driver was wanted for impaired in another jurisdiction. Officers also located a small quantity of fentanyl on the suspect.

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and further charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on April 1.

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Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation 2025 Butterfly Run Slated For April 27 at Millennium Park

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) 2025 edition of its Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park on April 27, announced on Wednesday.

Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Photo by David Tuan bui.

We are happy to welcome Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych as the new Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee. 

Ashley and Kori have been involved for a number of years (you may have seen them cheering on the runners at the half way point each year) and had this to say about their new role

“After years of involvement on the backend of things, curating and distributing bereavement kits in the community, we are excited to have a more prominent role on the Executive Committee for the run itself this year,” said Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych, Butterfly Run co-chairs in a joint statement. “We are working on furthering initiatives with the money raised to help support families with their grief. We are looking forward to another successful event.”

“Since 2022, GPHSF has taken the lead role in organizing the Peterborough Butterfly Run, which has been a great privilege. It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that it has made,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We look forward to working with Ashley and Kori as they take on a more prominent role this year. We are excited to bring everyone together again on April 27 in Millennium Park.”

The following is the run’s schedule:

• 9 a.m.: Registration opens

• 10 a.m.: 1K Kids Fun Run

• 10:20 a.m.: 1K Memorial Walk starts

• 10:45 a.m.: Opening ceremonies

• 11 a.m. 5K chip-timed run/walk starts

The Memorial Walk will remain free as in previous years, with 1km Kids Fun Run registration at $5 and the 5K Run/Walk registration at $45 (plus applicable fees). 

All registrants receive include a medal and customizable race bib. All 5km Run/Walk participants who register before the April 4 deadline will also receive a race shirt and other items in their race kit.

Registration is available online or in person at Runner’s Life at 174 Charlotte St. Runner’s Life’s Dave Dame is this year’s race director.

Proceeds will provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County according to GPHSF. It will help establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. 

GPHSF also states that money raised at the race also keeps costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1km Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message.

Donations to an individual or team can be made online.

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Peterborough Police Identify and Seek Arson Suspect On Peterborough Business In March

Peterborough Police Service continue to search for 23-year-old man Dominik Puska, wanted in connection with a fire at a Peterborough business in March.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5 a.m. on March 2, a business in the Lansdowne Street and Brealey Drive area had its front window smashed and a fire set. No one was injured in the incident.

Puska is believed to be in the Greater Toronto Area and is wanted on a charge of arson and disregard for human life.

Puska is described as:

• Male

• Medium build

• 5’5, approximately 130 lbs

• Short black hair with beard

Anyone with information about his whereabouts 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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What You Need to Know To Vote In Advance Polls For Provincial Election Beginning Thursday

Advanced polls for this year’s provincial election in the Peterborough-Kawartha Riding begin this Thursday.

This is the first winter provincial election for Ontario since 1981. Since Friday, Candidate nominations have been closed. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Voters can hit advance polls starting Thursday and running until Saturday.

Advance polls run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can vote in the advance polls in one of any of the following locations:

• Peterborough Square (Unit 21), 360 George St. (Local Election Office)

• Havelock Seniors Centre, 10 George St., Havelock

• Lakefield Community Centre, 20 Concession St., Lakefield

• Peterborough Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough

• North Kawartha Comunity Centre, 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley

• Trent Lakes Municipal Office, 780 County Rd. 36, Bobcaygeon

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough

Additionally, the Local Election Office runs on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Instructions when voting in the advance polls:

• When you arrive at the voting location, you will be asked to show your ID to an election official, who will check if you are on the voter list

• If you are not on the list, the election official will add you to the voters list and ask you to sign a declaration

• The election official will then issue you a ballot

• You will go behind a voting screen to mark your ballot. To vote for your chosen candidate, mark an X in the circle beside their name and return the completed ballot to the ballot box

• You will place your marked ballot into the secrecy folder and take it to an election official operating a tabulator

The following are the candidates for the ridings in the Kawarthas for the provincial election:

Peterborough-Kawartha

• MPP Dave Smith: PC Party of Ontario (incumbent)

• Adam Hopkins: Ontario Liberal Party

• Jen Deck: Ontario NDP/NPD

• Lucas Graham: Green Party of Ontario GPO

• Brian Martindale: Ontario Party

• Andrew Roudny: New Blue Party

Northumberland—Peterborough South

• David Piccini – PC Party of Ontario (incumbent)

• Dorothy Noronha – Ontario Liberal Party

• Bruce LePage – Ontario NDP/NPD

• Maxwell Groves – Green Party of Ontario

• Florian Bors – Ontario Party

• Joshua Chalhoub – New Blue Party

Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock

• Laurie Scott: PC Party of Ontario (incumbent)

• Alison Bennie: Ontario Liberal Party

• Barbara Doyle: Ontario NDP/NPD

• Tom Regina: Green Party of Ontario

• Brian Kerr: Ontario Party

• Jacquie Barker: New Blue Party

• Bill Denby: Freedom Party of Ontario

• Gene Balfour: Independent

• Zachary Tisdale: Libertarian

Hastings—Lennox and Addington

• Ric Bresee: PC Party of Ontario (incumbent)

• Lynn Rigby: Ontario Liberal Party

• Jessica Zielke: Ontario NDP/NPD

• Mike Holbrook: Green Party of Ontario

• Derek Sloan: Ontario Party

• Glenn Tyrrell: New Blue Party

You can vote by mail by applying to Elections Ontario by Friday.

Requests for a braille voter information card must be received by Wednesday by contacting Elections Ontario at info@elections.on.caOpens or calling 1-888-668-8683.

Voting on election day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 27.

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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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