Peterborough Petes Head to Offseason After Commemorating Staff and Players At Annual Year-End Ceremony

As the 2024-25 regular season ended for the Peterborough Petes, the organization held its annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday.

Petes captain Johnathan melee (left) after being presented the Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) by George Gillespie, Petes Board of Directors Treasuer. melee was a recipient of the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) and Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer). pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Rob Wilson, head coach; Dave Lorentz, team president; and captain Johnathan Melee made speeches. They recognized teammates, staff and several others for supporting the organization throughout the season.

After the speeches, the following awards were presented:

• Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Braydon McCallum (22 assists)

• Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Carson Cameron

• Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Aiden Young

• Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Colin Fitzgerald

• Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Dave Jones

• Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Aiden Young

• Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedication to team) – Francis Parish

• Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Jonathan Melee (21 goals)

• Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Brennan Faulkner

• Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Carson Cameron

• Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Jonathan Melee (37 points)

• Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Gavin Bryant

• Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Jonathan Melee

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association presented gifts to the graduating and overage players:

• Quinton Pagé

• Zach Bowen

• Brennan Faulkner

• Martin Matejicek

• Matthew Jenken

• Brady Stonehouse

• Gavin Bryant

• Jonathan Melee

Oke ended the night with a speech, acknowledging the players, hockey and business staff, billets, parents and fans.

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Voice of Business: Expanding Canada’s Trade in a Shifting Global Landscape

This week in Voice of Business, we are diving into trade expansion and the need to diversify Canada’s trade amid an ongoing tariff war.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to explore new trade partners. With internal trade barriers coming down and more reductions expected, Canadian businesses are looking for ways to expand beyond our traditional reliance on the United States.

Locally, the reality is that the U.S. remains Ontario’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 81% of our exports and supplying 52% of our imports. Given this deep economic relationship, shifting trade beyond North America is no simple task. It involves numerous hurdles, including regulatory challenges, financial risks, costly investments, and market uncertainty. In this article, we explore the key considerations for expanding trade and the role government can play in supporting businesses as they navigate global markets.

The first step in diversifying Canada’s trade is providing businesses with the resources and opportunities to branch out. Trade missions are an effective way to connect Canadian businesses with international markets, helping them reach a global audience. These missions facilitate networking with senior officials and key industry players, creating opportunities to diversify exports and establish a presence in foreign markets. Canada must commit to supporting key industries impacted by tariffs to mitigate potential consequences if another trade war arises.

One upcoming opportunity is the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia at the end of May. Click here to find out more about how this trade mission could benefit your business.

Trade agreements are another powerful tool for businesses exploring international markets. Canada currently has 16 free trade agreements (FTAs), with Ecuador recently initiating discussions for a new agreement. FTAs help lower trade barriers, streamline regulations, and create easier pathways for businesses to expand. While moving operations or sales to another country may not fully offset the costs of U.S. tariffs, establishing a presence in alternative markets can help mitigate future trade risks.

Despite the benefits, expanding into new markets comes with challenges. Businesses must navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and varying regulatory frameworks. Researching international markets and understanding cultural norms are critical steps in ensuring a product or service aligns with local consumer expectations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face additional obstacles, such as high shipping costs, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and complex compliance requirements.

Unlike large corporations, SMEs may lack the resources to absorb these costs, making international expansion a more daunting endeavor.

While businesses must take the lead in establishing themselves in new markets, there are valuable resources available to ease the transition. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides support in over 160 cities worldwide, helping businesses navigate foreign markets and connect with global partners.

While expanding internationally cannot fully replace Canada’s deep trade ties with the U.S., it is an important strategy for reducing long-term risks. By leveraging government support, trade agreements, and market intelligence, Canadian businesses can build resilience and unlock new growth opportunities.

The time to act is now—Canadian businesses must look beyond our southern neighbor to secure a more stable and diverse economic future.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Trent University Reopens Newly Upgraded Fitness Centre

To increase accessibility, functionality and the overall training experience for its students and student-athletes, the Trent Athletics Centre unveiled its upgraded Fitness Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Isabelle Pellerine, Fourth-Year Kinesiology Trent Student and Excalibur Volleyball player demonstrates a barbell row to showcase the newly-upgraded Fitness Centre at the Trent Athletics Centre. Photo by David Tuan bui.

“This redesign is a reflection of Trent University’s commitment to promoting health, wellness, and athletic excellence,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “By investing in modern equipment and creating a space that fosters strength and functional movement, the University is ensuring access to a top-tier fitness experience, as well as high-performance training for student-athletes.”

Throughout last month, key enhancements were made including adding eight flush-mount lifting platforms, expanding free-weight and selectorized equipment areas, and specialized sound-suppressant flooring. Additional upgrades include new treadmills, updated televisions and a reorganized layout.

Trent University hosted a grand reopening event that saw Trent students, staff, faculty and community members explore the enhanced facility, experience the new layout and view demonstrations by staff and Excalibur student-athletes.

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Stunt Driving Charge Laid After Suspect Going 99 km/h In A 50 Zone

A 23-year-old driver is facing a stunt driving charge after a traffic stop in Peterborough Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 7:30 a.m., a Traffic Unit officer on general patrol recorded a vehicle going 99 in a 50 km/h zone in the area of Lily Lake Road and Ackison Road.

The driver was charged with:

• Stunt in excess of 40 km/h

The driver was issued a 30-day license suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days. 

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Volunteer Peterborough Sets Up Shop at Peterborough Public Library

To increase accessibility for helping the community, Volunteer Peterborough announced that they will have a regular presence at the Peterborough Public Library’s main branch starting on Friday.

Ramage has a degree in Humanities. She joined as a volunteer manager in late October of 2023. To date, 1,700 volunteers and 164 organizations interact on Volunteer Peterborough’s online portal. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

Geneviève Ramage, Volunteer Peterborough’s operations coordinator, will be at a desk in the library’s mezzanine every second Friday from 1 to 3 p.m.

This partnership will increase the exposure of the match-making service between prospective volunteers and non-profits that need their help and expertise according to a media release.

It continues to state that in-person consultations accelerate the process by showing the various groups and the opportunities they seek to fill.

“Since launching in the summer of 2023, we have made countless matches from front-line services to boards of directors,” said Lois Tuffin, Chair of Volunteer Peterborough’s Steering Committee. “However, there are still so many people looking for the right role for them. By offering our services in more locations, we reach those who may not have met us yet.”

“The Peterborough Public Library is delighted to be hosting Volunteer Peterborough in our space,” says Mark Stewart, Manager, Library Services, City of Peterborough. “Connecting people and building community are at the heart of both our organizations so this partnership is a great fit.”

Volunteer Peterborough hosts Wednesday afternoon drop-ins from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office. Visitors can book appointments by emailing volunteer@volunteerpeterborough.ca or calling 705-874-0073.

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Seeking Board and Committee Members

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is looking for art lovers and enthusiasts to support the gallery by joining the Board of Directors and/or the Fundraising and Development Committee.

File Photo.

These roles help ensure the Art Gallery of Peterborough offers programs that speak to the community and have an impact on the future of culture in the region.

Applications are due April 16.

Since 1974, the AGP has showcased extraordinary artwork produced by artists from within our community and beyond. The gallery offers enriching educational experiences for all ages and has built a strong permanent collection to reflect the vibrancy of our community, while keeping pace with emerging currents in the practice of contemporary art.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough's website at agp.on.ca or call 705-743-9179.

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New Temporary Exhibit For Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is hosting a new temporary exhibit, curated by students from Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program, beginning on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

‘Collecting Memories: Objects that Define Us’ explores a fresh perspective on storytelling through objects. According to press release, the exhibit encourages visitors to think about why objects on exhibit at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) are part of the permanent collection, and why those objects were donated, accepted, treasured and preserved.  

“Every year Fleming College's Museum Management and Curatorship students work collaboratively as a team to research, write, plan and design a new exhibit for the Peterborough Museum & Archives,” said Dr. Amy Barron, Fleming College program coordinator of heritage programs. “This year's exhibit captures the very meaning of why these students are inspired to learn to work in museums, because it is in the objects that we all cherish and keep that a community's collective memories are told.”

The exhibit is on display in the Heideman Gallery until June 15. An official opening will take place on April 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., with speeches starting at 2:30 p.m.

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Peterborough DBIA Relaunches Mac & Cheese Festival; 17 Restaurants Vying For Championship Title

The title of Mac + Cheese Champion is up for grabs as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has relaunched its Mac and Cheese Festival for a fourth year running from April 1 to 26, announced on Tuesday.

Heather Wasson, Turnbull Cafe Owner showcases her entry: Hot Honey Mac Attack. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This year’s festival will feature exclusive in-restaurant specials and a Grand Finale Event on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square.

There are 17 downtown restaurants competing to win the championship trophy, each offering its own twist on the beloved comfort food, such as The Dirty Burger’s Mac & Cheeseburger Samosa.

The public can vote online to crown a winner for this year’s event.

“We figured, why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” said Tyrone Flowers, The Vine owner and current champion. “This year we’ve combined two fan favourites - mac and cheese and jalapeño poppers - into one irresistible dish. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour and just the right amount of heat. Cheese lovers,  we made this one for you.”

Local celebrity judges will decide a winner for this year’s Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Champion at the grand finale. The contenders for the grand finale event include: Dreams of Beans, La Mesita, The Vine, The Boardwalk Game Lounge, The Riverside Grill and Sam’s Place Deli. Vendors will also be selling drinks and sweets.

“The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent and the creativity of our downtown restaurants, while also bringing the community together over a dish we all love,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring this event back with an outdoor festival component that not only supports our local business community but also kicks off the Spring season in a really exciting way - with a day full of food, music and fun for all ages.”

Four local bands, including Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VANCAMP, will perform live throughout the afternoon. A beer garden will be set up on the rink pad at Quaker Square, with local breweries, including 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer and Maple Light.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the mac & cheese festival at Quaker Square with the band,” said Calvin Bakelaar, VANCAMP frontman. “There’s nothing like an outdoor event with live music and an unreasonable amount of mac & cheese to really kick off spring.” 

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Peterborough to Host Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championships Aug. 15-17

Peterborough has been chosen to host the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse (WMSL) Provincial Championships held Aug. 15 to 17 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Civic Centre, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

All 10 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse League teams from across the province qualify for this event. The tournament will feature round-robin games and an elimination round. The gold medal game is set for Aug. 17.

“Peterborough has a deep-rooted lacrosse culture, from minor leagues to the 18-time Mann Cup champion Peterborough Lakers,” said Victoria Clark, WMSL assistant commissioner. “We are thrilled to bring this premier event to the community, and to further showcase the talent of women’s box lacrosse.”

“Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championship is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in women’s lacrosse, including our hometown Peterborough Lakers, and highlight Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” said Peterborough City Councilors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Peterborough Tourism and the Peterborough WMSL Lakers collaborating on this event gives us a chance to showcase our top-tier facilities and vibrant summer activities, while also allowing us to celebrate women in sport.”

The WMSL rebranded from the Ontario Women’s Box Lacrosse League in 2022 and now includes teams from Kingston, Peterborough, Whitby, Mimico, Mississauga, Hamilton, Arthur, London, Grand River and Niagara.

The WMSL Lakers competed in their inaugural season last year, finishing fourth in the regular season. The team hosted a league day in July last year at the Healthy Planet Arena. According to a press release, several fans filled the venue, which sparked enough community support to spark the team’s interest in hosting Provincials during their second year in the league.

The team fell short in the Provincial Gold Medal Game, losing 2-0 in the semi-final to the reigning champion Whitby Rush. The WMSL Lakers feature two star players, Emily VanDamme and Nicole Perroni, who were named to the WMSL All-Star Team at the end of the 2024 season.

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Teenaged Charged With Stunt Driving Going Almost 100 Km/h In a 50 Zone

A 19-year-old driver is facing a stunt driving charge after reportedly going 98 km/h in a 50 km/h zone in Peterborough on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 1 p.m., a Traffic Unit officer on general patrol spotted a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the Water Street and Carnegie Avenue area. The radar gun showed the vehicle was going 98 in a 50km/h zone. 

As a result, the driver was charged with:

• Stunt in excess of 40 km/h

• Speeding 98 km/h in a 50 km/h

The driver was issued a 30-day license suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days. 

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