Peterborough Police Seeking Suspect Who Stabbed Another Individual at a Bar

Peterborough Police Service Investigative Services Unit officers are continuing an investigation of a man who was stabbed at a Peterborough bar early Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:10 a.m,, officers were called to The Social on George Street North regarding an injured patron.  The suspect had fled the scene by the time police had arrived.  The 29-year-old victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

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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City of Peterborough Launches New Interactive StoryMap and Survey for Strategic Growth Areas

The City of Peterborough is launching a new interactive StoryMap detailing its plans for its Strategic Growth Areas, released on Wednesday.

SCreenshot.

The StoryMap features maps and 3D concepts to help visualize key areas of future growth according to the City of Peterborough.

The City is streamlining the development approvals process in areas identified as Strategic Growth Areas in the City’s Official Plan through the Secondary Plan and Community Planning Permit By-law.

These areas include: 

• The Central Area (Downtown and East City)

• Water Street North Corridor

• Chemong Road Corridor

• Clonsilla Avenue and Charlotte Street Corridor

• Lansdowne Street Corridor

• Armour Road (North) Corridor

The City says that users can provide feedback on the draft Secondary Plan concept for land use, proposed building heights, parks and open space and priorities for development through StoryMap. Participants can also share comments on how growth and development decisions are made through an online survey and mapping poll.

Information in the StoryMap was shared during a public information session on the City’s Strategic Growth Areas held on Feb. 6, at the Healthy Planet Arena.

More information about this project, including a presentation during the February 6 meeting and the online survey, can be found at connectptbo.ca/planning-for-the-future.

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Peterborough to Host 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game In January 2026

Peterborough has been selected as host of the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14 next year, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The inaugural showcase brought close to 200 NHL scouts out to see the Ontario Hockey League’s rising stars in an East vs. West format. Peterborough’s Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads had won it in overtime for the Eastern Conference.

“I’ve heard so much positive feedback from folks across the league, colleagues with the National Hockey League, our great fans and the players themselves on this exciting event,” said Bryan Crawford, OHL Commissioner. “Brantford was a great spot to launch, and Peterborough presents a tremendous opportunity for the league to build upon that foundation and take this event to the next level.”

Among the showcase is hometown star and Petes’s latest first-round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Colin Fitzgerald.

The Petes are eager to welcome fans, scouts and the OHL community to the Liftlock City next January according to Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations.

“We’re very excited to be co-hosting the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects game with the City of Peterborough at the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to see some of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft up close as they face-off against each other. We’re also looking forward to hosting fans from all across Ontario, as we know this game will be embraced by the entire OHL community. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Memorial Centre. We will be announcing some special events in the future that will be sure to make the experience for both fans and participants a memorable one.”

“Peterborough is home to one of Ontario’s most passionate hockey communities,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We are pleased to welcome the OHL Top Prospects Game to our city – an excellent opportunity to showcase our facilities, and our love for the game on a national stage. This event will be an inspiring one for future hockey stars, players and fans and will generate positive economic impact for local businesses and community members. We look forward to working with the Peterborough Petes, the OHL and our local hockey community to create a memorable experience for all.”

Peterborough Petes season ticket holders will have first access to securing tickets for the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. Other special events planned around the game will be announced in the fall.

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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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