Peterborough Police Seeking Two Fraud Suspects Taking A Woman's Bank Card In Taxi Scam

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The Peterborough Police Service are seeking two suspects wanted on fraud for taking a bank card from a woman through a taxi scam on Tuesday night.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., officers arrived at a Chemong Road and Towerhill Road area parking lot and learned that a 53-year-old female victim was approached by a young woman who left a red sedan with a taxi sign on top of the car. 

The latter appeared distressed and told the victim that the taxi would not accept cash and that she did not own a debit card. She asked the victim to take her cash and pay with her debit to cover the fee. The victim agreed and the transaction was completed. 

Once the pair had left the area, the victim realized she had given back a bank card that was not hers. Within minutes, the victim received a notification from her bank that there was a withdrawal of $1,500 and another withdrawal at a local business minutes later.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1

  • Female

  • 16-20 years old

  • Long dark hair tied up

  • Wearing a light-coloured hoodie

Suspect 2

  • Male

  • Approx. 40 years old

  • Facial hair

  • Balding with a medium build with an accent

  • Eyeglasses

  • Wearing a blue, white and red Adidas tracksuit

Vehicle

  • Red sedan

  • Tinted windows

  • White “City Taxi” sign on top of the vehicle with number 740-2222 listed below

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 Celebrating International Women's Day This Saturday

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The City of Peterborough is celebrating International Women’s Day this Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A rally organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is taking place outside City Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim March 8 International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough. Speakers and performances will include Janet McCue, Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe, Ziysah and the Raging Grannies.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls to the social, economic, cultural, and political fabric of our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.. “In Peterborough, women have been at the heart of our progress—leading businesses, driving innovation, advocating for change, and strengthening our city in countless ways. There is no doubt that more work needs to be done.”

“As a woman who has lived and volunteered in Peterborough since I was a child, I can tell you that initiatives that welcome women volunteers or are led by women tend to be successful, create community plus help develop important connections and friendships.” said Lesley Parnell, City Councillor. Today we celebrate our Women who contribute so much to our lives. And thank you to everyone who supports and encourages these women in many ways.”

The rally will be followed by a march to Peterborough Public Library for a community event from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Registration for the community event is strongly encouraged.

“One of the most powerful ways to move gender equality ahead is to support and elevate women-focused initiatives and support organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the lives of girls and women-because when we uplift women, we strengthen and uplift our entire community,” said Leal. “Today we not only recognize the achievements of women and girls in Peterborough, but we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can help break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women and girls everywhere.”

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Peterborough Petes Fined $5,000 As Head Coach Gets Suspended Five Games After Bench Altercation Against Erie Otters

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Peterborough Petes head coach Rob Wilson has been assessed a five-game suspension and a $5,000 after a bench altercation involving Erie Otters, announced on Thursday.

Petes head coach Rob Wilson during the 2023-24 annual year-end ceremony. He signed an eight-year extension with the team as announced on that night. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incident occurred at the Erie Insurance Arena when the Petes lost 7-2 to the Otters on Sunday.

Just under halfway through the second period, Otters’ Alex Messier went to fight Petes’ Francis Parish during faceoff before the puck drop.

This resulted in Wilson and Kris Mallette, Otter's head coach, going face-to-face between the benches in a heated argument. They had to be separated by assistant coaches and referees.

The Ontario Hockey League also suspended Petes defenceman Grayden Strohack for four games (including a game misconduct) for being the third man into a fight (which results in an automatic two-game suspension). He also received another game misconduct for continuing an altercation.

Erie Otters Head Coach Kris Mallette has been assessed a five-game suspension, while Assistant Coach Ken Peroff has been suspended for two games. The Erie Otters Hockey Club has also been fined $7,500.

Messier has been suspended for nine games with infractions that included being assessed a game misconduct, aggressor and continuing an altercation. He also exceeded the regular season fighting major threshold during the incident which is an automatic two-game suspension.

The Petes return home to face the Ottawa 67’s on Big Brothers Big Sisters Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Send A Kid To Camp This Summer With the AXE-Travaganza Fundraising Event

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The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF) are letting kids hack away at fun with their Camp AXE-travaganza fundraising event at the Peterborough Axe Club on May 2, announced on Monday.

(from left to right) Carlo Raponi, Peterborough Axe Club; Carrie Truman, Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation Executive Director and Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services. Over the past 41 years, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has sent over 5,600 kids to summer camp. Photo courtesy of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

“We are so excited for this event. It is our major fundraiser that allows us to provide the summer camp experience to children involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society,” said Carrie Truman, KHCF executive director. “The format of the evening is a family-friendly axe throwing competition, along with food, a photo booth and a silent auction.”

KHCF’s goal is to help 150 children involved with their Aid Society attend camp this summer. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a lane. A third timeslot from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. has been added. Traditional evening sessions are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m.

The event is in partnership with Herod Financial Services and is supported by AON, Kawartha Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (KOMFS) and Kawartha Gymnastics.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing carrie@k-hchildrensfoundation.com. Online monetary donations for the Summer Camp Program can also be made.

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Peterborough Kinsmen Club Gives $4,000 In Grocery Gift Certificates to Celebrate Kin Kindness Day

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As part of Kin Kindness Day, the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough gave 160 gift certificates worth $4,000 to shoppers at George Street No Frills and Brock Street FreshCo on Feb. 22.

Since its founding in 1920 as the only all-Canadian service organization, Kin Canada has donated over $1 billion to individuals, families and programs in need across Canada. Photo courtesy of Kinsmen Club of Peterborough.

The annual event promotes kindness and compassion to foster a culture of empathy and goodwill.

“Kin Kindness Day is a reflection of our mission to make a difference and give back to the community,” Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president “Again this year, we were grateful for the opportunity to support local families and show our appreciation to the people of Peterborough through the simple gesture of helping with this week’s grocery bill.”

Unsuspecting shoppers were offered the gift certificates and after hearing the purpose through kindness, several people handed them back to those who needed them more.

“It’s an honor for our stores to partner with the Kinsmen Club in such a meaningful initiative,” said Scott Anderson, FreshCo store owner. “Times are tough and it was nice to see the smiles on my customers’ faces knowing that this week would be a little bit easier. We were proud again this year to help spread kindness and support the incredible work the Kinsmen do in this community.”

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David Tuan Bui


Construction Nears Completion on Peterborough’s New Affordable Housing Building On Monaghan Road

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Construction is approaching completion on the City of Peterborough’s new affordable housing building at 681 Monaghan Rd.

The project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI3), $40,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Seed Funding program, $1,684,286 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), with the City of Peterborough contributing $4 million. City Council decided in February 2023 to use a special one-time dividend from City of Peterborough Holdings Inc. to support its funding for this project. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The six-storey building comprises 53 units including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units. The ground floor features amenity space and utilities.

The dwelling prioritizes housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough.

Residents are set to start moving into the building in April. This will be a staged process and the City is assisting with the relocation. Some residents are transitioning into Monaghan Road from transitional housing, thereby freeing up those units for other individuals in need of transitional housing.

“681 Monaghan Rd. is a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our community,” said Myor Jeff Leal. “This project not only provides safe and stable homes for vulnerable residents but also creates a positive ripple effect, freeing up much-needed emergency housing. We are grateful for the collaboration between all levels of government in making this a reality.”

“This building is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity for a wide spectrum of residents. With support from all levels of government, we’re taking meaningful steps to address affordable housing needs in Peterborough. This building will make a lasting difference in the lives of many,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.

A grand opening celebration for the housing complex will occur this spring.

Construction on 681 Monaghan Rd. began in fall 2023.

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Peterborough Teenager Charged With Brandishing Hatchet At Lansdowne Place Mall Security

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A 14-year-old Peterborough male teenager is facing charges after brandishing a hatchet at Lansdowne Place security on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., a call was made to police regarding a disturbance by a large group of teens in the mall. The group started to flee once security arrived.  

The security guards were verbally threatened and then had a hatchet brandished at them. Officers spotted the teen in a parking lot across the street and took him into custody.

He was arrested and charged with:

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Failure to comply with undertaking

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking with the following condition: to not possess any weapons.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.

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Peterborough County/City Paramedics to Implement New 9-1-1 System

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Paramedic services throughout Southeastern Ontario, including Peterborough County/City Paramedics, are introducing a new system for 9-1-1 emergency calls that will take effect on March 26, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new system is part of the Government of Ontario’s Your Health Plan. It will require 9-1-1 callers to answer more detailed questions regarding the patient's condition.

Patients with less urgent or non-life-threatening conditions may experience longer wait times during periods with higher call volumes. For less urgent cases, patients will remain under observation through ongoing communication with ambulance communication officers to ensure no change in the patient's condition.

According to Peterborough County, the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) will match paramedics with specialized skills and equipment to each case, ensuring that non-urgent demand in emergency departments is reduced.

The County says that the data from regions already using MPDS has shown notable improvements in key operational challenges, including reduced offload delays at hospitals, better management of meal claims for staff and decreased end-of-shift overtime.

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Peterborough Police Service Launch Pedestrian Safety Campaign

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The Peterborough Police Service has launched a pedestrian safety campaign that encourages everyone to walk safe, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

This campaign is in partnership with Peterborough Public Health, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County/  

Whether travelling on a city street or using a rural roadway, the safety of all road users should be front and center. Peterborough Police over the coming weeks will release essential safety tip.

From families on their morning trip to school to someone walking to the bus stop to get to work or even the short trip one may make from the parking garage to a shop, each of us makes many walk or roll trips each day.

In 2024, there were 44 pedestrian-involved collisions in the Peterborough Police Service policing areas (City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, Township of Cavan-Monaghan), with 39 of them (89 per cent) resulting in injury. In local OPP-patrolled areas, there was one pedestrian-involved collision that resulted in one death and one person injured. 

The Peterborough Police’s goal of releasing these safety tips is to reduce the risk to those walking, running, or rolling on city and rural roads, as well as minimize their exposure to hazards.   

There are tried and true Pedestrian Safety Tips that help everyone to #walksafe: 

1. Be Visible  

  • Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.  

  • Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers.  

  • Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance.  

2. Walk Facing Traffic  

  • Face Oncoming Vehicles: On streets without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary.  

  • Stay Alert: Minimize distractions by only having one headphone in and low volume. If you need to text, stop, text and then continue walking when you are done. 

3. Stay on the Shoulder  

  • Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible.  

  • Give Passing Vehicles Space: When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space.  

4. Choose Safe Walking Routes  

  • Select the Safest Routes: Choose roads with the least amount of traffic or where traffic moves slower. If high-speed roads are your only option, please choose to be extra cautious. Consider roads that have wider shoulders or clearer visibility for drivers. Be alert at curves or areas with limited sight lines.  

5. Cross Safely  

  • Use Marked Crossings When Available:  If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.  

  • Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you.  

  • Don’t Rush the Hand: Give yourself plenty of time to cross at intersections and designated crosswalks.  

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions  

  • Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking if you can.  

  • Stay Alert: Be aware of how conditions may impact vehicles. Poor weather may impact vehicles’ ability to stop or steer. Walk with extra caution, particularly when there is no sidewalk or crossing the street.  

7. Carry Identification  

  • Carry ID and Emergency Info: Always carry identification and a phone with emergency contacts, especially if walking in more remote areas where help may not be readily available.  

8. Limit/Avoid Walking at Night  

  • Utilize Well-Lit Roads: When possible, stick to roads and sidewalks that are well-lit during night or times or low light. 

  • Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear. 

9. Be Cautious Around Large Vehicles 

  • Watch Out for Large Vehicles: Rural roads and areas near construction zones are often utilized by large trucks, farm equipment, and other heavy vehicles. Be extra cautious, as these vehicles require more space and have longer stopping distances.  

  • Give Farm Vehicles Extra Space: Always give farm equipment plenty of room, especially when it’s traveling at slow speeds or taking up the whole road.  

Motorists also have an active role to play in pedestrian safety. Motorists are reminded to: 

Be Alert for Pedestrians 

  • In the dark or inclement weather, pedestrians may be less visible. Be alert and aware of other road users.  

  • Remember to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections. Do a double check when making turns, as a pedestrian may arrive while you’ve been looking for a gap in traffic. 

  • If a crossing guard is present, follow their instructions. Be patient and remember that stop means stop.  It’s important that cars remain stopped at crosswalks until everyone is back on the sidewalk.  

Be Aware of the Posted Speed Limit 

  • Slow down and give space to pedestrians on roadways  

  • Speed limits in many City and County school areas are reduced, be mindful of students walking or rolling to and from school 

  • Community Safety Zones are established to provide awareness of higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, speeding fines can be doubled in these areas. 

 Be Mindful of Weather Conditions  

  • Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced, and road conditions may be impacted. Leave yourself extra space and extra time to travel. 

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“I Stand With Leaders From Across the Country In Opposing the Unjustified Tariffs Placed On Canada," Mayor Jeff Leal Releases Statement Regarding American Tariffs On Canada

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With a 25 per cent tariff imposed on Canada by Donand Trump, United States President, that took effect Tuesday, Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor, has issued a statement in opposition.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The following is Leal’s full statement regarding the tariffs:

I stand with leaders from across the country in opposing the unjustified tariffs placed on Canada. These tariffs are not only detrimental to the Canadian economy but to the American economy, as well. Tariffs hurt workers, businesses, consumers, families and residents on both sides of the border.

The City of Peterborough is working closely with partners, other municipalities and community leaders to assess the local impact of tariffs and to advocate for our community.

Yesterday, I joined municipal leaders from across Eastern Ontario in condemning the United States government’s decision to impose trade tariffs. As the Chair of the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC), I joined the Chairs of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC) to represent nearly one quarter of Ontario’s municipalities which includes over 1.1 million residents. Each year, approximately $42.5 billion of total private sector exports from Eastern Ontario goes to other jurisdictions outside the region. As an engine of activity for the province and the nation, Eastern Ontario municipal leaders strongly condemn these tariffs and have been mobilizing to respond to these trade threats.

Here in Peterborough, we know that these exports reflect numerous sectors. We are taking the potential impacts seriously.

As the Mayor of the City of Peterborough, I am committed to working to protect and support our local economy. Peterborough businesses play a critical role in our community. I have appreciated the input and expertise shared by Peterborough businesses as we navigate this situation. A number of weeks ago, Warden Bonnie Clark and I gathered with members of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on to hear directly from local businesses about impacts and opportunities in our region. We will be behind local businesses and support them as much as possible.

As a municipality, we will also continue our work to find ways to play an active and supportive role at this time. Last week, Peterborough City Council unanimously approved a motion to confirm City of Peterborough’s support for Team Canada. As part of this motion, City staff were directed to bring back a report detailing a temporary procurement policy to reflect an interest in preferring Canadian companies and services to the greatest extent possible.

The City of Peterborough is committed to protecting local businesses and ensuring our economy remains strong. I encourage all residents of Peterborough to support local businesses and products, whenever possible.”

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David Tuan Bui