Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 37th 'Grandparent of the Year'

City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 37th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they think their nominee should win the award.

“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to connect generations and affirm the dignity, wisdom, and value of seniors in our community—many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the impact older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”

Nomination packages have been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County and are also available for download.

Submissions will be accepted in both English and French and a winner and honourable mention will be selected in each language from two grade groups: Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).

The deadline for submissions is May 6. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence.

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Liberal Party Name Emma Harrison As Federal Candidate For Peterborough Riding

The Liberal Party acclaimed Emma Harrison as its Peterborough candidate for the upcoming federal election, announced on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Liberal Party of Canada.

The Selwyn resident is a third-generation farmer and a small business owner. She operates her family farm alongside her husband and Peterborough paramedic, Connor with their children.

“I am thrilled to be the Liberal Candidate for Peterborough,” said Harrison. “I intend to be an MP who builds bridges instead of creating division, who understands that community has to come first instead of partisanship, and who will represent everyone, not just those who voted for me.”

Lauren Hunter, Peterborough Federal Liberal Association Chair, endorses the party’s decision and believes Harrison is fit to represent the riding.

“We are grateful to have such a thoughtful, caring, and practical candidate in Emma, and we are confident she will be an excellent representative for Peterborough,” she said. “As our country faces unprecedented threats, now is the time to unite behind a candidate who can help build a stronger Canada.”

Harrison will challenge incumbent Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri and NDP’s Heather Ray. The Green Party has yet to declare a candidate.

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Trent University Introduces One of First Forensic Anthropology Degrees In the Nation

Trent University has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Forensic Anthropology, considered one of Canada's first standalone programs, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

According to Trent, the program helps address the demand for professionals trained in the field for various career applications, including criminal investigations, disaster response and human rights inquiries.

The University recognized a growing need for specialists who can recover and analyze human remains. Examples include coroners’ offices, forensic units within police services, and medical examiners. Trent says the following occupations are facing shortages of trained personnel who can interpret skeletal evidence and assist in death investigations. Around the world, organizations such as the Red Cross need these skills for mass grave recovery and disaster victim identification.

The program offers students a unique opportunity to study human remains in a medico-legal context.

“Combining the investigative rigour of forensic science with the analytical depth of anthropology will equip graduates with the foundational skills needed for these in-demand careers. This degree provides a critical foundation of skills and hands-on experience to take that next step in graduate studies to become a practicing forensic anthropologist or to apply expertise in a variety of related fields,” said Dr. Joel Cahn, Trent director of the leading Master of Science in Forensic Science program.

This interdisciplinary and applied science program integrates coursework from the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Forensic Science, two of Trent University’s most prominent and leading academic programs.

Trent’s Department of Anthropology features subfields of archaeology and biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, and among the faculty is the Canada Research Chair in Archaeological Science, Dr. Paul Szpak. Trent’s Forensic Science program features leading faculty researchers and forensic practitioners. It provides students with an understanding of investigative techniques, skeletal biology, crime scene analysis, and bio-chemical testing through the Forensic Crime Scene Facility, a first-of-its-kind facility in Canada.

“Forensic anthropology is about science in action,” said Cahn. “It’s where analytical thinking meets real-world applications. If you have a strong sense of duty and a mind for investigation, this program is an exciting way to channel those skills.”

At Trent’s Forensic Crime Scene Facility, students will engage in laboratory work, case studies, and seminars to develop the technical and interpretive skills needed. This 4,100-square-foot facility includes modular crime scene spaces, an integrated surveillance system for case analysis, a dedicated forensic lab and an outdoor evidence recovery area.

Advanced courses will include scene recovery techniques, osteological identification and forensic genetics, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for multiple career paths. Students will gain practical experience in real-world investigative techniques, from processing skeletal remains to analyzing forensic evidence in controlled crime scene environments. This cutting-edge facility ensures graduates enter the workforce with applied skills that set them apart.

“Trent is providing a home for students with a passion for forensic anthropology,” said Cahn. “For those who have always been fascinated by this field but struggled to find a clear academic path or left to build one on their own, we’re saying: we’ve got you covered.”

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Peterborough Petes End Season With a Pair of Weekend Losses

In the final two games of the regular season, the Peterborough Petes end it with losses to the Brampton Steelheads and Oshawa Generals on Friday and Sunday respectively.

Photo courtesy of Kalvin Taylor Goodall Media and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes first visited the CAA Centre to take on the Steelheads but were easily dispatched by a score of 6-1. Peterborough native Porter Martone had the game’s opening goal as his only point. Former Pete Konnor Smith had five points including a hat trick and two assists.

Martin Matejicek scored the lone goal for the Petes with Aiden Young and Brennan Faulkner each picking up an assist.

Peterborough ended their season with a rivalry tilt against the Generals but it was not meant to be for the Petes as Oshawa came out on top, 5-2.

Braydon McCallum had two assists in the game. Petes import defenceman Rio Kaiser scored his first OHL goal. Caden Taylor also scored and Quinton Pagé had an assist. Zach Bowen earned third-star honours stopping 45/49 shots.

After 68 regular-season games, the Petes ended with an 18-41-9 record and 45 points which puts them in last place in the Ontario Hockey League.

The Petes cap off their season with a Year End Awards Banquet on Tuesday.

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Peterborough Woman Arrested For Theft and Fleeing in a Pickup Truck; Police Discover Vehicle Soon After

A 38-year-old Peterborough woman faces a theft charge after an incident Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:30 a.m., officers arrived where a theft was in progress in the Chemong Road and Towerhill Road area. The suspect had left the store without purchasing the items and left in a pickup truck. About an hour later, the vehicle was located in the Park Street and Wolfe Street area and a woman matching the description given to police was taken into custody.

The woman arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5,000

• Failure to Comply with Probation

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. 

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Monday.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Just Spray It, JA-NEO, Charlotte Products and CAM Containers

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…

Just Spray It is expanding their insulation services to include blow-in fiberglass insulation in addition to their spray foam insulation service.

Spray foam works great for basements, walls, and hard-to-reach areas while blow-in fiberglass is a great option for attics. They have helped hundreds of homeowners and local businesses save on heating and cooling costs. Founders Rob and Mitch met in college and saw an opportunity to open their business. They are licenced, insured, and ready to insulate your home, garage, or shipping container. You can reach them online at justsprayit.ca.

Celebrate local business leaders by getting an early bird ticket before April 13 for the 2025 Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame on May 29 at 5 p.m.

Now in its 10th year, this annual celebration is put on by Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario and the event is presented by Drain Bros, Alf Curtis Home Improvements, and Peterborough Truss and Floor LTD. Inductees are selected for their lasting contributions to economic development locally. They embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their illustrious careers. Get your tickets at ja-neo.org.

The team at Charlotte Products and Swish Maintenance have been busy celebrating some big milestones.

Here’s a shout out to:

• Peter McMurray who just marked 45 years there as a research and development technician

• Ken Fisher, a production mixer who has been with them for 35 years

• Jennifer Toms, the friendly face and voice of Swish as a receptionist of 35 years

• Production stager Carey Laroche who just celebrated 30 years

Congrats to all of you for helping make Charlotte and Swish the success they are today.

We’re going to keep highlighting businesses making stuff locally. Established in 2021, CAM Containers was founded to address the need for more local distribution of bottles and containers within the Canadian market.

CAM is advised by several veterans within the plastic manufacturing industry, as well as the sanitation distribution market, who collectively have over 30 years of experience. With their guidance, CAM is able to navigate through the competitive manufacturing landscape and offer knowledge-based solutions to help meet any customer’s needs.

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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Put Your Skills On Display With Third Annual "Peterborough's Got Talent" In Support of Good Neighbours Care Centre

Those looking to showcase their skills can compete at the third annual Peterborough’s Got Talent at Market Hall on April 26.

The Care Centre services an average of 2,000 people per month of which 30 per cent are children. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc.

The event is hosted by Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc. in support of Good Neighbours Care Centre. The latter is a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothes and personal care items at no cost to people in need in the Peterborough area.

Contestant auditions are being accepted until mid-next week. There will be 12 selected applicants to compete on the big stage on April 26. Donations or audition videos can be submitted to PtboGotTalent@gmail.com.

Tiffany Arcari, “The Tiffany Show,” is the master of ceremonies for the event. Dani Guppy, 100.5 FM Fresh Radio on-air personality; Jason Wilkins, artist; and Sarah Evans of Ball Real Estate are this year’s judges.

Tickets are $30 to attend the event.

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Trent University Surpasses Fundraising Goal Raising $134,543 For 2024 United Way Campaign

Trent University has exceeded its fundraising goal of $120,000 for United Way Peterborough and District, raising $134,543, announced on Friday.

(From Left to right) (Top) Rona Jualla Van Oudenhoven, Julie Davis, Cathy Bruce, Marcus Harvey and Cris de Clercy. (Bottom) Adele Devlin, Alison Scholl, Elyse Sawdon and MK Millard. The United Way supports 20 partner agencies that address key social challenges, including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment and addiction. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s United Way campaign is a testament to the power of community. The generosity of Trent’s faculty, staff, and retirees is crucial to building a more resilient, supportive, and inclusive community,” said Dr. Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association and United Way Board Chair. “By supporting the United Way, we make a collective investment in the vital services that provide shelter, food, support, and opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Peterborough and Durham regions.”

The fundraising effort was through employee and retiree donations and special events. The United Way’s ‘Double Your Difference’ gift matching drive gained 36 Trent employees as new donors, resulting in $19,000 through matching, according to a press release.

With the proceeds, United Way can provide 160 nights in a shelter, serve more than 1,400 meals, offer 700 home care visits and create 109 social learning opportunities. This is part of United Way’s $1.5 million campaign goal that was set back in September.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Trent community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “As valued United Way champions they set the pace for this year’s campaign, inspiring others to give and be part of something bigger. In a time of rising costs that have especially impacted the agencies we fund and the vulnerable clients they serve, Trent’s commitment makes our community a better place to live, work, and thrive.”

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Peterborough Petes Fall to Kingston In Final Home Game of the Season

The Peterborough Petes end their last home game of the season with a 6-2 loss to the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenenth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Before the game, the Petes honoured overagers Brady Stonehouse, Gavin Bryant, and captain Jonathan Melee. They were presented with a gift ahead of their last game as a Pete on home ice.

After allowing a goal from Kingston in the first period, the Petes saw them score just over six minutes into the second period, thanks to Maleek McGowan, for a 2-0 game. Peterborough found the scoresheet on a four-on-three powerplay as Melee one-timed a shot from the faceoff dot for a 2-1 score. Just 50 seconds later, the Petes tied things up as Melee tried a cross-ice pass that was deflected. It ended up on the stick of Braydon McCallum who backhanded it in on tight quarters for a 2-2 game. Unfortunately for Peterborough, they allowed two goals with 68 seconds remaining in the period and found themselves down 4-2 at the end of two stanzas.

Peterborough could only muster seven shots in the third period and failed to find the back of the net on any of them as Kingston tacked on two more goals for a final score of 6-2.

The Petes have two more road games to close their regular season but have already been eliminated from playoff contention. They will take on the Brampton Steelheads at the CAA Centre on Friday night. The team travels to the nation’s capital to play their last game of the season against the Oshawa Generals on Sunday night.

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City of Peterborough Closes Temporary Emergency Shelter

The City of Peterborough closed its temporary emergency shelter that had 30 beds and was operated by Brock Mission on Friday morning.

There are 127 beds in the City’s emergency shelter network plus the Trinity Community Centre overnight program, which includes Brock Mission, Cameron House, YES emergency shelter for youth and families, and Trinity. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The shelter had opened on Monday and operated from 9:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily during that period. Meant as a temporary, short-term use, it, offered 30 beds nightly

Two people used the temporary shelter on Tuesday night and five people on Wednesday night as reported by the City.

The emergency shelter was opened to provide additional beds in the City’s shelter network.

Those experiencing homelessness who contacted emergency shelters or Social Services to access shelter beds were referred to the temporary shelter starting Monday if beds were unavailable in the regular shelter network.

The City recognized an identified need for shelter beds at this time.

The City arranged to temporarily provide the additional 30 shelter beds at the Morrow Building over five days within the approved homelessness services budget. Providing the temporary shelter bed increase was dependent on the ability to provide the necessary shelter staffing to operate the service over the defined period.

City Council did not support a motion to open a new temporary homeless shelter last month. The motion considered by Council on Feb. 3 would have directed the opening of new temporary shelter spaces for the winter months, which would have been for approximately seven weeks, by increasing the homelessness services budget by $150,000.

They continue to add that opening a temporary shelter for an approximately seven-week period was potentially not possible, as arranging for specialized shelter staffing and other logistics for the service for that amount of time may not have been possible. Council did not support that direction.

They explain that exceeding the Council-approved budget, going beyond staff’s delegated authority for procuring services, or substantially changing service levels would require Council approval. A temporary increase to the shelter network over a five-day period that can be accommodated within the Council-approved homelessness services budget does not exceed that threshold.

A report on the Emergency Winter Response Plan, which was approved by Council in 2023, is anticipated to be presented to Council in the summer.

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