Peterborough Man Arrested From Lansdowne Place Bomb Threat On Feb. 19

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A 21-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested for false information and public mischief after making a bomb threat at Lansdowne Place Mall on Feb. 19, reported Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The threat resulted in the mall being evacuated and shut down for the day while police investigated the validity of the threat. York Regional Police Service Bomb Squad members were called to investigate the matter. This included a bomb-sniffing police dog checking the property and clearing it as safe. 

Peterborough Police Service Major Crime Unit identified a suspect and took them into custody without incident on Thursday.

“This event caused a lot of disruption in our community, not to mention the impact on local businesses,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “These types of incidents strike at the core of safety in our public spaces, and we take them seriously. For our officers, in the Major Crime Unit, to quickly identify and secure an arrest in this case within weeks of this incident, is outstanding.”

The suspect was arrested and charged with:

  • False Information

  • Public Mischief

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 15.

“I am grateful to the members of the public for evacuating safely, and the patience of the community as a search was completed,” said Betts. “I also extend my thanks to our policing partners from York Regional Police, who supported us that day, with their explosive detection canine, as well as the management at Lansdowne Place for their cooperation throughout the investigation.” 

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Last-Second Heroics Gives the Peterborough Petes a 4-3 Win Over the Ottawa 67's

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The Peterborough Petes came through in the clutch as they scored in the dying seconds of the game to defeat the Ottawa 67’s 4-3, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes were without head coach Rob Wilson who was serving a five-game suspension after a bench altercation from Sunday’s game against the Erie Otters.

Peterborough opened the scoring exactly five minutes into the game as Brody Partridge banged in a rebound off a loose puck for a 1-0 score. That remained the only goal of the period.

The Petes doubled their lead as Ottawa mishandled the puck in their own zone. Partridge corraled the loose puck, circled the net, fired and it was tipped by Brennan Faulker for a 2-0 lead just 28 seconds into the period. Ottawa answered two minutes later as Chris Barlas off a one-time to cut the deficit in half.

Early in the third, Ottawa looked to tie things up as they were on the power play but Petes captain Johnathan Melee had other ideas. He intercepted a pass in the offensive zone and rifled it top shelf from the high slot for a 3-1 lead. Ottawa would not go down easily as Barlas scored a second time, followed up by a Filip Ekberg goal with under six minutes in regulation to tie the game at three.

With just over 10 seconds left in regulation, the Petes were looking for one last push. They won a faceoff in their own zone where Aiden Young got the puck and passed it to Genc Ula at the point. He took a fadeaway wrist shot that managed to find its way through traffic. It found its back of the net for a 4-3 lead in the dying seconds of the game and the Petes escaped with a win.

Both teams meet again on Saturday, this time in the nation’s capital at TD Place at 3 p.m.

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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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