Anglers Casting Their Lines For the 36th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Starting April 26

The 36th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby is back for 2025 and kicks off on April 26 at the Peterborough Lift Lock.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, holds Walter before throwing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 25th year helping the fishing derby. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The first day features the youth derby for children 15 and under, featuring goody bags, a hot dog lunch, 500 stocked trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The all-ages derby starts on April 27 and runs through May 4.

“This community partnership provides anglers more chances to win, while helping to offset the cost of stocked trout for the youth derby," said Annie Layfield, OFAH Program Support Specialist.

Top prize fish ‘Walter’ returns and $1,000 cash goes to the lucky angler who catches the big rainbow trout, estimated to weigh between five and eight pounds. A second grand prize of $500 cash is being awarded to whoever catches ‘Gordon’ in honour of longtime volunteer Gordon Bowley.

New this year is the first-annual high school derby on May 1.

“We’re excited to offer high school students a chance to try their luck at trout fishing. The day includes five hours of fishing, lunch, instant prizes and a chance to catch tagged fish for cash prizes,” said Layfield.

Registration is required for all participants and can be completed online or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. Those who register by Thursday are eligible for some of the $4,000 in early bird prizes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and new participants,” said Layfield. “The derby is a great way to bring the community together and get kids excited about fishing and the outdoors.”

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City of Peterborough Celebrates National Tourism Week

With Peterborough rich in arts, sports, environment, history and landmarks, the City is joining the country by celebrating National Tourism Week until Friday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough,

The week is an annual initiative led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. This year’s theme, ‘Canada: Powered by Tourism,’ highlights the sector’s national impact — contributing more than $100 billion annually and supporting one in 10 jobs across Canada.

The City says tourism plays a vital role in Peterborough’s economy and quality of life. Peterborough and the Kawarthas welcome more than three million visitors annually, contributing approximately $300 million to the local economy according to the City. It continues to state that in the Peterborough census subdivision, the tourism sector includes more than 400 businesses and supports more than 3,000 jobs. Peterborough continues to gain international recognition through tourism, with iconic attractions like the Trent–Severn Waterway and The Canadian Canoe Museum making headlines in 2025.

“Much of what makes Peterborough a sought-after destination for visitors also makes it an incredible place to live,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “National Tourism Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of tourism on our community and economy. It supports local jobs, fuels small businesses, and showcases the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that make our city special. During the week, I hope everyone takes a moment to recognize the people and places that make Peterborough a destination worth exploring and sharing with friends from around the world.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to share their favourite local experiences on social media using #TourismWeekCanada2025, tagging @ptbotourism.

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Brampton Man Arrested For Breaking and Entering Lansdowne Place After Hours and Brandishing a Tire Jack Handle On Security

A 26-year-old Brampton man is facing multiple charges including breaking and entering Lansdowne Place on Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8 p.m., Officers learned that a man had re-entered the mall despite being told to leave since it was closed. He was caught attempting to take items from a kiosk and when confronted, the suspect brandished a metal tire jack handle at security and fled.

Officers located a man matching the description given to police a short distance away and took him into custody.  The tire jack handle was seized during a search after arrest. No one was injured during the incident. During the investigation, police learned that the man was also wanted on a Canada Wide Immigration Warrant.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

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

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Passes Away

Peterborough Petes alumnus and longtime local resident Greg Millen has passed away at 67 years old, announced on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Millen played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

The longtime Bridgenorth resident was well known in Peterborough and beyond. He has been honoured throughout the hockey world and also had a teaching stint at Fleming College.

Millen leaves behind his wife Ann and their four children.

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health On June 26

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic, hosted by Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), will be held at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on June 26th.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

All proceeds of the event support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

The day includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, access to a private, in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities, and contests throughout the course. Lunch and supper, prizes and professional photos of your foursome will also be at the event.

New this year is a public donation campaign launch with a minimum goal of $40,000 to be split equally between YES Shelter for Youth and Families and Peterborough Youth Services. 

Donations can be made online. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Robbery Suspect Who Made Off With a Tray of Lottery Tickets From Convenience Store

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are looking for a robbery suspect who targeted a convenience store early Sunday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 3:30 a.m., a Denure Drive and Sherbrooke Street business saw a man enter the store and brandish a small knife. The suspect left with a tray of lottery tickets.

Officers searched the area south of the store, located the tray with some of the tickets, and returned them to the business. The suspect's mask was also located; however, the suspect could not be found. No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect is described as:

• White male

• Approximately 50 years old

• 5’6; medium build

• Dressed in a black sweater with a piece of green tape on the left chest, a dark coloured toque with a dust style filter mask over his face, dark pants and grey boots with a green piece of tape on the left toe area

Peterborough Police have released video footage of the suspect.

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 Petes Acquire Three Draft Picks From Sarnia Sting

The Peterborough Petes have acquired three picks from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for two of their own, announced on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes have acquired the following picks from the Sarnia Sting:

• 2027 3rd round pick

• 2026 8th round pick

• 2027 conditional 15th round pick

In exchange, the Sarnia Sting has received:

• 2025 3rd round pick (Erie)

• 2028 10th round rick

The OHL Priority Selection will be held over two days, with Rounds 1-3 beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11th. Rounds 4-15 start at 9 a.m. the next day.

The Petes currently have five picks in the first three rounds: one in the first round (number one overall pick), two in the second round and two more in the third round.

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Peterborough Lakers Acquire Payton Tasse From Brampton Excelsiors

The Peterborough Lakers are loading up their back end as they acquired defenceman Payton Tasse from the Brampton Excelsiors and a 2026 second-round draft pick in exchange for goaltender Andrew Kidd, forward Ty Scott and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Nepean Knight is a left-handed shot and Ottawa native currently completing a graduate degree in Sports and Leadership at Newberry College. Tasse was Brampton’s fifth-round pick in the 2024 MSL Entry Draft.

His father, Jason, is a former member of the NLL’s Ottawa Rebel and recently coached with the Peterborough Timbermen of the Arena Lacrosse League.

The Lakers open their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 21 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22.

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Fleming College to Host 2025 Innovation and Technology Showcase This Thursday

Fleming College invites the community to celebrate student achievement, experiential learning, and industry partnerships at the annual Innovation and Technology Showcase this Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This event features approximately 200 students from 50 teams demonstrating their business and technology skills as they tackle real-world challenges posed by local, national and international clients. 

Teams will compete in two rounds of judging: an initial panel of internal judges will determine the winners, followed by a panel of industry professionals and community partners. The Innovation Award will be given to the top three business teams and the top three technology teams that exhibit outstanding creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. 

Participating students represent programs including Global Business Management, Computer Engineering Technology, Wireless Information Networking, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Security and Investigations. Each team has spent the semester developing innovative solutions through applied learning projects. 

The Innovation and Technology Showcase takes place in the D-Wing at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus, beginning at 9 a.m. 

The event will be live-streamed on Fleming College’s YouTube channel. 

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Restwell Upholstering, Le Boat, Summer Soul Yoga and Peterborough Matboards

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…

Restwell Upholstering is celebrating 80 years here in Peterborough, keeping our homes and businesses looking and feeling good.

Restwell’s expert upholsterers, sewists and sales staff can help you with anything from a small repair to a cherished family heirloom, from commercial restaurant seats to refilling patio cushions and everything in between. They work with 25 fabric suppliers, many of which are Canadian. They can help you find the perfect fabric, vinyl, or leather for your project. Check them out at 494 The Parkway, Unit 5.

It's great to see local businesses working together. Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness worked with Le Boat last summer on some promotional material.

Le Boat is an international boating vacation company that recently began service on the Trent-Severn Waterway based out of Peterborough County. Summer Soul owner Ashley Woollacott recently had her picture on one of Le Boat’s luxury vessels in the Globe promoting the Trent-Severn Trail Towns, a key local tourism program, to a national audience. Check out Le Boat for your Ontario staycation and you can find Summer Soul at 394 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a couple election events.

There’s an all-candidates business issues debate on Tuesday, April 8 at Lakefield College School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a Coffee with the Candidates event on Tuesday, April 15 at Holiday Inn Peterborough from 9 to 10 a.m. These events are in partnership with The Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, Peterborough and District Construction Association, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.

We’re going to keep highlighting some amazing companies making products locally. This week it’s Peterboro Matboards.

They’ve been in business locally since 1902. They make high-quality matboard for the art and framing industry. Their pulp and paper chemistry expert has helped design matboards that cut better, giving smooth bevels and a clean look. Their quality has earned the company both the Fine Art Trade Guild and new PPFA standards. Peterboro Matboards are a major global player in the industry, shipping product around the world from their Peterborough facility.

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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