"Peterborough Has Become My Home" Peterborough Petes Captain Reflects On Four-Year Tenure With Team

As Petes captain Jonathan Melee bids farewell to his team and the city after four years, he reflects on how Peterborough became his home and winning an OHL Championship.

Melee (left) has been named the 63rd captain in franchise history after the departure of former captain Donovan McCoy who was traded the the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Melee played his final game as a Pete against the Oshawa Generals on Sunday. He committed to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., to play for the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. Melee says he will bring the leadership and championship mentality he learned in Peterborough to Sacred Heart.

“(It’s) The way I’ll come to the rink every day ready to work, being a friendly guy in the locker room, (being) a leader and just bringing a championship mentality to the dressing room,” he explained.

The Hamilton Bulldogs (now Brantford Bulldogs) originally selected Melee in the second round, 21st overall, of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 26 games for the Bulldogs before being acquired by the Petes in January of 2022 in a trade involving Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.

Melee was part of the OHL Championship-winning Petes during the 2022-23 season, where he had nine goals and 18 assists in 58 games. He also tacked on five goals in 13 playoff games during that championship run.

“The guys welcomed me in right away,” said Melee. “That group was special. That championship team, I'll never forget every face in that dressing room, I'll always have that bond and memories to share and reconnect with.”

On Jan. 10 last year, Melee was named the team’s 63rd captain in franchise history. This came after the team had traded away former captain Donovan McCoy to the Sudbury Wolves prior to the trade deadline.

Along with the OHL Championship, Melee also left Peterborough with some extra hardware as the Petes held their annual year-end banquet and awards ceremony at the Venue on Tuesday.

Melee took home three awards, including the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals), the Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) and the coveted Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates).

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.

Last season, he won the Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability). During the 2022-23 season, he won the Norm Bryan Award (most improved player).

Melee finishes his Ontario Hockey League tenure with the Petes, scoring 48 goals and 72 assists for 120 points in four seasons. The Rockland native says he will miss Peterborough which he considers his home away from home.

“Peterborough has become my home and I don't even have the words to say how much I love it in Peterborough and how thankful I am I ended up here,” he explained. “I have nothing but thanks for the city, thanks for everybody in the organizations, everyone that's been involved in the past four years. It's a place I call home, a place I'm comfortable (with) and I'm going to miss seeing all these faces every day.”

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Fill It Up With 'Burst the Bus' Food Drive For Kawartha Food Share

To help stock the shelves at Kawartha Food Share (KFS), a ‘Burst the Bus’ food drive is happening this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

STC Bus Lines drivers will be at grocery stores collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and diapers for Kawartha Food Share.

Collections are at Greg’s No Frills, Chub and Nikki’s No Frills, FreshCo (Brock Street), and Foodland in Norwood (all food items collected at this location are delivered to the Norwood Food Bank).

The following are items in need:

• Peanut Butter

• Canned tuna

• Canned fruit

• Individually wrapped school snacks

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee

• Breakfast cereal

• Gluten-free items – like pasta, cookies, oats, etc.

• Canned vegetables

• Canned soup/stew

• Feminine hygiene products

• Diapers

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Driver Caught Going 103 km/h In 50 Zone; Fourth Consecutive Day Police Issue Stunt Driving Charge

A 20-year-old driver faces a stunt driving charge going 103 km/h in a 50 zone in Peterborough on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11:40 a.m., a Traffic Unit officer on general patrol spotted the speeding vehicle in the Water Street and Marina Boulevard area. They were recorded going 103 km/h in a 50 zone. 

The driver was charged with:

• Stunt in excess of 40 km/h

• Speeding 103km/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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City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event Ahead of Weekend Ice Storm

The City of Peterborough has declared a significant weather event, effective immediately, in advance of the ice storm expected this weekend.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is actively monitoring weather forecasts and conditions. Winter abrasives and de-icers are ready to go, and Public Works crews are ready to deploy the City’s 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes to help keep roads, sidewalks and trails clear.

Crews will work throughout the weekend to keep roads clear; however, depending on the storm's severity, ice accumulation may still occur on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, forecasting a potent spring storm that will begin late Friday and last until Monday.

Significant ice accumulation can result from freezing rain, with general amounts of five to 15 mm and amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Environment Canada warns that utility outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up are a possibility.

City forestry crews are standing by, ready to clear fallen branches and trees that may become an issue.

To report a downed branch or tree on City property please call Public Works at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Due to ice accumulation, there is potential for power outages. Residents should be prepared if an extreme weather event results in a power outage.

Having an Emergency Preparedness kit on hand is essential for staying safe.

Emergency Preparedness Kits should include:

• Battery-powered or windup flashlight

• Battery-powered or windup radio

• First Aid Kit

• Portable external battery charger for cellphones, laptops, etc.

• Water (Two litres per person per day)

• Canned or dried food that won’t spoil

• Manual can opener

• Extra batteries for your flashlight or radio

• Cash- if there is an extended power outage, many stores may only be able to accept cash as a form of payment

• Blankets

• Candles and matches

• A list of emergency numbers and important contacts

Residents are encouraged to charge devices in advance of a weather event.

Motorists should also ensure enough fuel in their vehicles before the storm, as local gas stations may also lose power.

Residents should ensure that downspouts are directing rain away from the foundations of buildings. 

Residents can help by clearing debris away from the storm sewer drains near their property if possible.

Due to the volume of water moving through local waterways, residents are reminded to stay a safe distance from the water’s edge as banks can be slippery and unstable.

Otonabee Conservation has issued a Flood Warning for all watercourses in our region. Residents are advised to monitor conditions and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their property from flooding.

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Police Investigate Three Cases of Vehicles Stolen From Neighborhoods

The Peterborough Police Service are investigating three vehicles reported stolen during the early morning hours of Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All three vehicles were Toyota models—a 2022 Corolla, a 2024 Land Cruiser and a 2024 Tundra. Two vehicles were taken from neighbourhoods in Peterborough’s west end (Woodglade Blvd and Kawartha Heights Blvd; Sandalwood Drive and Fair Avenue) and the third was taken from a residence on Park Street South. 

In the case of the Land Cruiser and the Tundra, the sunroof feature was smashed, and personal items along with the vehicle’s GPS were found several kilometres from where the vehicle was taken. A black sedan is involved in both cases.

The Tundra was tracked and recovered and police in Quebec arrested an 18-year-old from Saint-Sophie, Que. 

The Land Cruiser was not recovered but was last seen heading toward Highway 7. 

The Corolla was last known to be travelling on the 115. 

In the video footage, a black sedan is seen near the Tundra truck at approximately 1:46 a.m. before driving away. Two minutes later, Sedan returns and two people get out of the vehicle. They can be seen moving around the vehicle before returning to the sedan and driving away. Four minutes later, they come back and one person is seen on the roof of the vehicle and another moving around on the ground before leaving the area again. Three minutes later, they return again where one person enters the truck, starts it and then both the truck and sedan leave the area.

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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Peterborough and Parts of the County Could Face Potent Spring Ice Storm From Friday to Monday

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for a likely potent spring ice storm that will hit Peterborough, Lakefield and parts of southern Peterborough County from late Friday until Monday.

File Photo.

Significant ice accumulation can result from freezing rain, with general amounts of five to 15 mm and amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Environment Canada warns that utility outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up are a possibility.

A break in the freezing rain is expected for most areas late in the day on Saturday into Saturday night before a second round of freezing rain begins.

Environment Canada believes the likelihood of an increase in a widespread, prolonged freezing rain event is occurring over portions of southern Ontario. The swath of maximum ice accretion is still uncertain but confidence is highest for central and eastern Ontario areas between Parry Sound and Kingston. Environment Canada will issue warnings as the event draws nearer.

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Driver Caught Going Nearly 60 km/h Over Limit; Third Consecutive Day Police Issue Stunt Driving Charge

A 25-year-old driver faces a stunt driving charge after going 109 km/h in a 50 zone in Peterborough on Wednesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 8:50 p.m., a Traffic Unit officer on general patrol spotted a vehicle travelling 109km/h in a 50 zone, in the Water Street and Marina Boulevard area.

The driver was charged with:

• Stunt in excess of 40km/hr

• Speeding 109km/h in a 50km/h

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

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Canadian Rocker Kim Mitchell to Close Out Peterborough Musicfest On Aug. 16

Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell returns to Peterborough Musicfest as the closer for the 2025 season, taking the stage on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.

Mitchell was known as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster before pursuing a solo music career. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

This is Mitchell’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage for Musicfest. He made appearances in 1997, 2002, 2012 and a special 2017 performance celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.

“I’m all about customer service. People are coming out to hear certain songs and hear me playing them,” said Mitchell. “But they have been morphing and going through some changes. So ‘Go For A Soda’ sounds a little different the way we play it on a given night. And we will start to jam out on some of the songs and be a little freer with the arrangements. I like to give people what they want.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim Mitchell back to Musicfest for our closing night, said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “He’s a Canadian rock legend, and we know this will be an incredible show. In times when the news is often heavy, it’s great to have something like Musicfest to look forward to. Being able to offer world-class live music to our community—completely free of charge thanks to our sponsors—is something we are incredibly proud of.”

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New Canadians Centre Executive Director to Step Down From Role at End of June After Six-Year Tenure

Andy Cragg, New Canadians Centre (NCC) executive director will step down at the end of this June after close to six years in the position.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

“Andy has made tangible, lasting contributions to the organization and Peterborough is a more inclusive and welcoming community because of his efforts. We are truly grateful for his dedicated service – he will be missed,” said Ghada Hussein, board chair.

Since 2019, Cragg has been instrumental in guiding the growth of the New Canadians Centre and navigating the local impact of multiple challenges and crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall of the political regime in Afghanistan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in Canada’s immigration policies according to a media release.

During Cragg’s tenure, many programs and services were added and expanded so the NCC could better meet new Canadians' language, educational, employment and settlement needs. The staff complement grew from 25 to 50 and the organisation’s budget doubled as NCC was successful in applying for grants and growing support from donors.

NCC served more than 2,000 newcomers from 104 countries last year – a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Initiatives such as English in the Workplace, the Life Skills Program, and Community Training Program were implemented to respond to client and community needs. Through Cragg, the NCC also developed a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan – a commitment to support clients, volunteers, and employees to realize a vision of nation-building that grows from mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous peoples and settlers. Most recently, Cragg has led the successful negotiation of a three-year contract with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to continue our work of serving newcomers in our region.

“It is an enormous privilege to lead this organization and an honour to contribute to its transformative work. After an incredibly rewarding six years, I’m looking forward to shifting focus to time with my young family,” said Cragg.

The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search process to hire a new executive director and will work closely with Cragg and the senior leadership team to manage the transition and ensure operational continuity. NCC says a job posting will be shared in April and the new Executive Director is expected to be announced prior to Cragg’s departure.

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Peterborough Petes Awarded First Overall Pick In 2025 OHL Priority Selection

Fortune favoured the Peterborough Petes as they were granted the first overall pick in the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection during a livestream on Wednesday night.

Barclay Branch, OHL vice president of hockey operations, reveals the Petes winning the first-overall pick over three teams. Screenshot.

The Petes were granted the highest percentage of landing the number one overall pick at 40 per cent due to their record of 18-41-9, resulting in 20th and last place in the league.

The Guelph Storm (19th place), Sarnia Sting (18th place) and Ottawa 67’s (17th place) were in contention to get the first overall pick with 30, 20 and 10 per cent odds, respectively.

Despite being the longest continuously-running OHL franchise (since 1956), this is the first time that the Petes have owned the first overall pick. The Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2023 but have been rebuilding since the championship win. Peterborough has won 10 OHL Championships, the second-most in OHL history behind their rival Oshawa Generals with 13.

During the 2023-24 season, they finished 17th in the league with a 20-40-8 record for 48 points. They drafted third overall, taking standout forward Colin Fitzgerald, who was also given the Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) during the team’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday night.

The following is the first-round draft order for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection:

1. Peterborough Petes

2. Guelph Storm

3. Ottawa 67’s

4. Sarnia Sting

5. Owen Sound Attack

6. North Bay Battalion

7. Soo Greyhounds

8. Flint Firebirds

9. Kingston Frontenacs*

10. Niagara IceDogs

11. Sudbury Wolves

12. Erie Otters

13. Saginaw Spirit

14. Brampton Steelheads

15. Brampton Steelheads*

16. Oshawa Generals

17. Kingston Frontenacs

18. Barrie Colts

19. Soo Greyhounds*

20. Brantford Bulldogs

21. Windsor Spitfires

22. Kitchener Rangers

23. London Knights

*- indicates compensatory pick

The OHL Priority Selection is held on April 11 to 12. The first three rounds are drafted on day one, starting at 7 p.m. Rounds 4 to 15 start on day two at 9 a.m.

The Priority Selection will be produced by YourTV and streamed for free on OHL Live and across the league’s YouTube, X and Facebook accounts.

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