18 Special Olympic Athletes Medal In First Swim Meet of the Season

The Peterborough Special Olympic Swim team saw 18 members medal in their first official swim meet this year in Pickering on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Special Olympics.

They competed in the Special Olympic Swim Team DIVE into the 2025 Durham Swim Meet.

Along with the 18 swimmers who finished in the top three of their respective events, several also achieved their personal bests.

The following are the medalling swimmers:

Lisa Butler:

• 1st place – 50-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 200-metre freestyle

Steve Caban:

• 1st place– 100-metre Backstroke

• 1st place - 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place - 100-metre Breast

• 1st place – 100-metre I.M.

Danielle Clarkson-Bulgar:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Crystal Cochrane:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Mark Crowder:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Jasmine Davis:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Nick Gardiner:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

Hannah Goode:

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backcrawl

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Meagan Glaeser:

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Nicole Hewitt:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Carly Hopkinson:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

Mercedes Laking:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 100-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 100-metre Breaststroke

Breanne Mackenzie:

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Gillian McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Miriam McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 100-metre Backstroke

Kacee Quinlan:

• 1st place – 25-metre Fly

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

Tessa Scates:

• 1st place – 200-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Dominic Wichmann:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

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Starter Company Plus Applications Open For Entrepreneurs to Help Launch and Grow Their Businesses

The Business Advisory Centre have opened applications for the upcoming Starter Company Plus program cohort that offers entrepreneurs essential tools, mentorship and funding to help grow and launch their businesses.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc and Community Futures Peterborough

“Starter Company Plus is more than just a program—it’s a transformative experience that reshapes the trajectory of the entrepreneur’s journey,” said Rosalea Terry, Business Advisory Centre manager. “By combining expert-led programming, valuable connections, a supportive cohort of like-minded individuals, and funding opportunities, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and scale their businesses with confidence. This program is about more than financial support; it’s about equipping business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network to create lasting success.”

Participants will receive guidance from a seasoned business advisor who will help refine their strategies, build strong financial foundations and develop effective marketing campaigns according to a press release. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and like-minded peers who have successfully started, expanded, or acquired small businesses.

“The Starter Company Plus program is essential for those looking to become entrepreneurs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing training, mentoring, and guidance, as well as grants, this initiative will equip individuals with the support they need to grow their businesses, opening up new avenues to transform their ventures into successful enterprises.”

Each entrepreneur will receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities, business advocacy and access to exclusive events. They will also receive a conditionally pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth in our region,” said Devon Girard, Community Futures Peterborough executive director. “Our first cohort of 21 businesses successfully completed the program with rave reviews and inspiring success stories, proving just how impactful Starter Company Plus can be for businesses. By providing entrepreneurs with expert-led programming, valuable connections, and access to funding, this program is truly transforming businesses and shaping the future of our local economy. We can't wait to see what the next cohort will accomplish."

Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in the City or County of Peterborough and ready to launch a new business or expand an existing one.

Applications can be found online. The deadline to apply is April 2 at 11:59 p.m.

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City of Peterborough Opens Registration For Spring and Summer Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for spring and summer recreation programs this week.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Programs include instructional sports, youth programs, older adult leisure programs and fitness and health programming. Most programs start during the first week of April and vary from four to 12 weeks.

Public registration for spring and summer programming and Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members are open.

The City offers several fitness programs at Miskin Law Community Complex to support all ages and fitness levels.

Programs include Gentle Mobility and Stretch, Qigong, Chair Fitness, Baby & Me Bootcamp, Zumba Kids and Hatha Flow Yoga and Stretch & Strength.

The Miskin Law Community Complex will continue to host drop-in skating during the spring and summer months.

Registration can be done online. Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or over the phone at 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

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Peterborough Police Service Has 175th Anniversary; To Host Community Celebration May 31

With 2025 marking the 175th anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service, the public is invited to a community celebration on May 31 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 1421 Lansdowne St., announced on Wednesday.

Drew Merrett, Board Vice-Chair; Mayor Jeff Leal, Board Member; Chief Stuart Betts; Mary ten Doeschate, Board Chair; Councillor Gary Baldwin, Board Member; Steve Girardi, Board Member; Deputy Chief Jamie Hartnett. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The celebration will have the following:

• Development of a 175th Anniversary Crest

• Use of 175th Anniversary Crest decal on all marked patrol vehicles

• Allow public to meet officers, Unit demonstrations, recruitment information, BBQ, petting zoo, obstacle course and more!

• History of the Peterborough Police Service Display at Community Celebration

• Return of the Chief For A Day contest

• Update the mission, Vision and Values for the Police Service

The Service was officially formed as one of the first acts of Peterborough council in 1850, with William Cummings serving as Chief Constable alongside four part-time constables serving a population of around 2,200. Since then, the Service has grown to 162 officers and 96 civilian members serving the residents of the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan — with a combined population of approximately 100,000 people — and welcomes in just over three million visitors, students and residents from neighbouring communities, annually. 

The Peterborough Police Service marked the start of those celebrations on Tuesday. Chief of Police Stuart Betts placed the official 175th Anniversary Crest on our marked patrol vehicles alongside our Police Service Board members.

“We are honoured to be stewarding the celebration of this milestone.  It is important for us to say thank you to the officers and civilians that built this Organization and have served with dedication as our community has grown,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “When looking back through our history, it is not surprising to see the Peterborough Police Service at the forefront of policing and public safety innovation. We pledge that the Service of the future is just as forward thinking and responsive to the needs of our policing communities. As part of that pledge, we will revisit the mission, vision and values of our Service to ensure they reflect not only today’s expectations, but also the future needs of our Organization and the Community.”

Historical Markers:

• The Peterborough Police Service is the 10th oldest service in the province

• 14 police chiefs in service history - Peterborough Police Chief George H. Johnston was originally thought to have been the first Chief of the Peterborough Police Service; however, historical archives suggest that there were three others who preceded him.

• First civilian member was a female stenographer in 1952

• First female officer 1968

• First forensic unit created in 1948

• First K9 Unit 1997

• 500 Water Street officially opened in 1968 and was the only police-designated building until the City of Peterborough purchase of the 1421 Lansdowne Street location in February 2024

• 2025 is also the 25th Anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Unit

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Peterborough Family Health Team Expands Healthcare With New Clinic For Unattached Patients

Those without a family doctor have a new facility for healthcare as the Peterborough Family Health Team (FHT) has expanded its services with a new clinic that exclusively accepts ‘unattached’ patients at 555 George St. N., announced on Tuesday morning.

Dr. Tehmina Chattha Is one of eight doctors at the Peterborough Family Health Team’s new expanded clinic at 185 King St. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new clinic space will contain additional exam rooms, allowing it to expand appointments for Peterborough city and county residents who do not have a family doctor in Ontario. Those who do have one are not eligible for care at the clinic.

The expansion allows the King Street location (185 King St.) to operate and support more niche services such as well babies.

The clinic has eight doctors, four nurses and a nurse practitioner who can see up to roughly 50-60 patients daily.

Dr. Tehmina Chattha is one of the doctors at the new clinic. She was a former family practitioner and previously worked in ER in Saskatchewan. Chattha says she looks forward to the challenges and changes with her new role.

“Taking care of unattached patients comes with its own challenges because we don't have all the information available, labs and whatever diagnostic imaging have been done before, you don't have access to them. You don't have access to their health records,” she explained. “So gathering all this information, especially in the initial appointment when you are trying to manage a plan, it becomes a little challenging. However we are trying our best to help them out.”

This clinic offers in-person, same-day or next-day care to those with limited options. First-time patients must book an appointment by calling 705-651-4866. Returning patients can book online.

While this clinic is needed in Peterborough, it is just a stop-gap solution to the always-demanding healthcare in town according to Duff Sprague, Peterborough FHT CEO.

“This isn't comprehensive care so it's not your family doctor here, it's family physician care. You don't have that long-term relationship with physicians,” he explained. “Fortunately is that when doctors come from another area and they work in this clinic, so far we have two who plan to open a full family practice so that's the benefit. 

The clinic is receiving some financial help to make sure it can operate. The Peterborough Ontario Health Team (OHT) has committed to covering the clinic’s rent until Sept. 1. Director of Operations; the Patient Services Supervisor and City’s physician recruiter have donated their personal time to preparation of the space, including painting, deep cleaning, transporting equipment and other necessary setup efforts. Whelan’s Floor donated and installed replacement flooring in part of the clinic and to Rishor Real Estate Inc.gave a 50 per cent rent reduction for the first year.

“Despite a base budget that has not increased in many years, we’ve strategically managed to run the clinic within the existing funding and the access clinic physicians have to bill OHIP for their services,” said Sprague. “We took a coordinated approach to provide essential care to unattached patients. Our PFHT Health Clinic offers a much less expensive and more appropriate alternative to the only other in-person choice in the area – hospital emergency departments.”

The Peterborough FHT Health Clinic says from April 1 last year to early March, they estimate $370,804 in savings due to hospital emergency room diversions. The savings are based on the patient being assessed at the emergency department and do not include any testing procedures or specialist care according to Peterborough FHT. They also mention that cancer screenings conducted at the clinic not only save costs for the system but also open the door to care for the unattached patient.

“I think that primary care has not been funded adequately. It's suffering and that is the key to managing the other healthcare costs,” explained Sprague. “Good strong family medicine, nurse practitioners, primary care teams are going to shorten the wait at emergency departments, going to shorten the volume, going to delay people going into hospital beds, delay people going into long-term care beds but far more expensive parts of the healthcare system, there's going to be reduced use and reduced need.”

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City Hosting Public Information Session for Riverside Park and East City Bowl Upgrades

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to learn more about proposed upgrades to Riverside Park and East City Bowl at a public information session at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre April 3 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

City staff are available to answer questions about the project. Residents can provide feedback on what amenities they want to see in the proposed revitalization of the park.

Riverside Park and East City Bowl ball diamonds, located at 325 Burnham St., require repairs to address areas of deterioration.

Riverside Park was identified as a priority project by the City following input from local baseball groups. The wood fence, bullpen, batting cage, irrigation, scorekeepers tower and lighting were identified as areas needing improvement.

Phase 1 work includes replacing the outfield wall and scorekeeper’s tower and providing irrigation at Riverside Park.

Phase 2 work, subject to budget approval, includes replacing the bleachers and scorekeeper’s booth, new dugouts, irrigation and a new lighting system at East City Bowl. 

“These proposed upgrades to Riverside Park and East City Bowl will address areas of deterioration in our existing sports diamonds and will ensure the park continues to meet the needs of Peterborough residents. We encourage residents and park user groups to share their insights and perspectives during this community engagement process,” said Community Services (excluding homelessness) co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a statement.

“Riverside Park and East City Bowl is an East City gem. Investing in and repairing these facilities will ensure this valued space will continue to serve our community for years to come, and help support the local athletes, families and the many residents who gather to enjoy the park,” said Ashburnham Ward Councillors Keith Riel and Gary Baldwin in a joint statement.

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N.  The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on APril 11.

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.

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Three Men Face Drug Possession/Trafficking Charges; Over $133,000 In Value Seized

Jonathan Morningstar, Antonio Williams and Kyle McLelland are facing a combined seven charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) after search warrants were executed in Peterborough, Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie, reported on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and Peterborough Police Service (PPS) Drug Unit began a drug trafficking investigation last summer which resulted in arrests in January.

Officers conducted a vehicle stop and arrested an individual for drug trafficking offences on March 3. Three search warrants were also executed in Peterborough, Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie by officers from OPP OCEB, OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, Sault Ste. Marie OPP, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP Community Street Crime Unit, PPS and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS).

SSMPS executed a search warrant in Sault Ste. Marie on March 6.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of the following items:

• Approximately 635 g of suspected fentanyl

• Approximately 60 g of suspected cocaine

• Approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency

• Four cell phones

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $133,000.

Morningstar, age 31 of Ottawa, has been charged with the following two offences under the CC and CDSA:

• Possession of property obtained by crime

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on April 17.

Williams, age 30 of Toronto, has been charged with the following three offences under the CC and CDSA:

• Possession of property obtained by crime

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 31.

McLelland, age 20 of Sault Ste. Marie, has been charged with the following two CDSA offences:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 31.

Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Water Services Transitioning to the City of Peterborough Starting April 1

City water services, currently provided by the Peterborough Utilities Commission on behalf of the City, will transition to a directly operated service by the City of Peterborough beginning April 1.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City says there will be no immediate changes for customers.

Customer billing will remain the same at this time, with no changes required by customers for April 1. Customers will continue to receive water services bills from Peterborough Utilities for a period after April 1.

Notice will be provided to customers before any future change to billing. 

Customer service contact information will also remain the same after April 1.

The same Water Services team of employees that currently delivers high-quality water services and responsive customer service today as part of Peterborough Utilities will continue to deliver the service as they integrate into the City of Peterborough organization.

Water Services customer service can be reached at 705-748-6900, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

City Council decided to streamline the governance structure related to the delivery of water services by transferring responsibility for that service delivery from Peterborough Utilities Commission, a local board of the City, to a directly operated model.

Council gave direction in June 2024 to proceed with the transfer to the City of water assets and operations, information technology assets and operations of the Riverview Park and Zoo.

Peterborough’s Riverview Park and Zoo will continue to be a publicly owned and operated facility, with Riverview Park and Zoo employees providing the same excellent care for animals and welcoming experience that has made the Park and Zoo an attraction for residents and visitors. 

A review of water and wastewater services, including both the sanitary and stormwater networks, in 2021-22, recommended the services be directly operated by the City to create operational efficiencies and align with City Council’s existing responsibility and accountability for water services.

In December 2023, City Council approved a motion to support in principle the transfer of the water operations to the City, with added stipulations that staff report back to Council in 2024 with further details on the transfer and that no current International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers employees be displaced as a result of the transition. 

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Keene Man Wanted On Warrant Arrested For Drug Trafficking After Refusing to Leave Party

A 26-year-old Keene man wanted on a warrant was arrested and faces a drug trafficking charge on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers received a noise complaint from a party on Aylmer Street. The noise issue was addressed and police were informed of a man in the crowd who was not wanted and refused to leave despite being asked. 

Officers discovered a warrant for his arrest for assault – spousal, forcible confinement and mischief under $5,000.

The man was taken into custody and during a search after arrest, officers located:

• 2.9 grams of cocaine

• Drug paraphernalia

• Canadian currency

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

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday court on Sunday.

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Wastewater Plant Gets Brief Secondary Treatment Bypass Due to High Water Flows; Residents Asked to Reduce Water Intake

Residents are asked to reduce water intake after significantly increased volumes of water entered the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant that briefly caused a bypass of the secondary treatment process at the facility early Monday morning.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant fully treated 105,751 cubic metres of sewage on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The extra water came from melting snow and rainfall, according to the City.

The secondary treatment bypass was experienced from about 3:30 a.m. to 3:50 am. Less than 50 cubic metres of partially treated effluent was discharged into the Otonabee River.

The discharge had received primary treatment, which includes full screening, primary treatment and UV disinfection.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant resumed full treatment operations at 3:50 a.m.; however, it continues to monitor a high volume of water flowing through the plant due to current conditions.

Residents are asked to reduce water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths, limiting or delaying loads of laundry and turning off taps while brushing teeth and doing dishes.

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