Lansdowne Place Bringing March Break Family Fun With Free Activities

Lansdowne Place is making March Break fun with a slew of free activities for the family throughout the week, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Lansdowne Place.

The mall hosts a series of free events for kids of all ages that range from martial arts, meeting the Peterborough Petes, building workshops and more.

Schedule:

• Monday: Watch and Learn the Art of Judo with the Peterborough Hatashita Judo Club, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday: Enjoy Fitness and Move to the Music with Planet Fitness, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday: Meet the Players and Their Mascot and challenge someone to a ministicks game with the Peterborough Petes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Thursday: Build Amazing Lego Creations with Creative Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Friday: Check Out The Eyrie Birds of Prey, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home Depot will be on-site, hosting build-it workshops for kids aged five to 12 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These hands-on workshops will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Local Advantage, Lakefield ReStore, Smarketing PTBO and Swish

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…

Are you looking to get the local advantage for your business?

The County’s The Local Advantage series is heading to Havelock on March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Havelock Town Hall at 1 Mathison St. W.

This monthly drop-in series gives you access to experts in economic development, tourism, and organizations like Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce. You can get advice and guidance for your business needs, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get the tools you need for your business to grow and thrive. Find out more at ptbocounty.ca.

The Lakefield ReStore is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., making it the only ReStore in the region open for Sunday shopping.

The store is transforming into a boutique-style shopping experience featuring antiques, vintage treasures, and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes in our community. Drop by 3001 Lakefield Rd. to shop, donate and make a difference.

Looking to improve your social media skills?

Smarketing PTBO is collaborating with Peterborough Business Hub to offer a new series of social media workshops. Each workshop includes a section on Canva for beginners, which will guide you through the essential tools of this powerful design platform including how to create eye-catching graphics that captivate your audience. The second part of the workshop focuses on putting the skills to work by creating a month’s worth of tailored social media content. Find out more at smarketingptbo.ca.

Swish is a great local success story.

It opened right here in Peterborough in 1956 by Walter Ambler. It’s a family-owned and operated business with 13 locations, 250 employees, and services more than 10,000 customers across Canada. Swish makes a diverse range of cleaning products for your home and business with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Drop by their Clean-it Centre at 2060 Fisher Dr. or shop online at swish.ca.

Given everything going on right now with our neighbours to the south, Wiebe is going to use the Business Beat for the next while to promote businesses making products locally here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

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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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break

The City of Peterborough’s Recreation and Parks Services division is hosting various events encouraging residents to stay active and spend time with friends and family during March Break.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. is hosting free public swimming at the Sport and Wellness Centre on Friday, from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

“Peterborough—Kawartha is built on strong families and an incredible sense of community. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite everyone to the 3rd Annual March Break Family Fun Swim,” said Ferreri. “This free swim is a great way to kick off March Break while staying active and enjoying time together at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. Events like this bring us closer as a community, and I’m so proud to host this fun-filled evening for families across our riding. There’s no registration, no cost—just bring your swimsuits, smiles, and energy. I look forward to seeing you and your family there.”

A free public skate takes place at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., from noon to 1:50 p.m. on the CHE Pad on Thursday thanks to World’s Finest Chocolate.

“World’s Finest Chocolate is proud to sponsor a free Community Skate at the Miskin Law Community Complex, where we're bringing the community together over the March Break with free hot chocolate, delicious chocolate samples, and fun on the ice,” said Jennifer King, Director, Canadian Business, World’s Finest Chocolate. “While our Campbellford Outlet may be closed, our fundraising business is stronger than ever, helping schools, teams, and community groups raise the important funds they need.”

Other March Break activities are as follows:

Public Skating at the Miskin Law Community Complex

Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Tuesday, March 11, noon – 1:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Thursday, March 13, noon – 1:50 p.m. CHE Pad – Free Skate sponsored by World’s Finest Chocolate

• Friday, March 14, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Saturday, March 15, Family Skate, 9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., Family Stick and Puck 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

• Sunday March 16, Public Skating, 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Swimming at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

 Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10 to Friday March 14, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Friday, March 14, 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

• Saturday, March 8 and 15, and Sunday, March 9 and 16, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre hosts drop-in sports from Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14. Cost is $5.25 per person.

• Pickleball, 6:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

• Basketball, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

There are still spaces left in the March Break Camp at the Sport and Wellness Centre. Geared toward children between the ages of four and 11, the camp provides a full day of activities including swimming, games and crafts. Registration for the event can be done online.

Registration for the City’s spring and summer swimming (spring session only), recreational and sport programs opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, for Sport and Wellness Centre members and at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 for members of the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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 is what started everything. Alex Messier goes after Francis Parish off the draw...Grayden Strohack steps in and things continued to escalate. pic.twitter.com/XLJhrKa4UL

— Dan Malta (@danfromcanada) March 3, 2025

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.

Here's a look at the altercation in between the benches from the Petes/Otters game this afternoon. #OHL #PETES pic.twitter.com/of1kPVT892

— Dan Malta (@danfromcanada) March 2, 2025

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

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

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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