Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Tees Off On May 22

There will be 240 linksmen teeing off at the Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 22 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson, holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. There are signed jerseys to be auctioned off at the event with athletes such as Colin Fitzgerald, Peterborough Petes forward (pictured); Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads forward and Barrett Hayton, Utah Hockey Club Forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The sold-out tournament fundraiser's proceeds will go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and to support its bursary for exemplary high school student-athletes.

“Years ago, Steve Doyle, Bob McGillian and my dad came up with this idea for a bursary program for local high-school athletes as they were embarking on post-secondary academic and athletic careers.” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. “We're pleased that over the years, we've been able to go from initially two $500 bursaries, now we're up to four $2,000 bursaries. We're thankful that Steve, Bob and Jack had the foresight to start that program and now we're able to keep it going.

The tournament is in honour of Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 — Doug’s father — and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.

He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship in 1969.

He also managed Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.

As the tournament enters its 38th year, Doug continues the tradition of continuing his father's legacy through the golf event.

“Dad was one of the original founders to try to get things going when we first had the Hall of Fame,” he explained. “He and Bob McGillian decided to have a golf tournament and we're just continuing on hopefully the way they would have continued on had they still been with us but it's really nice for me personally to be able to do something which remembers my dad.

While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming Phoenix Round Out Another Athletic Season With Awards Banquet Ceremony

After another athletic season in the books, Fleming College celebrated its student-athletes at the Phoenix Varsity Awards banquet held on Friday.

ALexander Clark (left) and Zofia Boruta Right) Showcasing their newly-won plaques as the men’s and women’s all-around athlete respectively. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The 52nd annual Varsity Awards Banquet recognized and celebrated the achievements of Fleming student-athletes who participated in seven varsity sports: soccer, volleyball, logger sports, curling, men’s basketball, cross-country running and women’s rugby sevens.  

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 32 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing. 

The following awards were presented: 

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to two athletes who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment, and dedication. Awarded to Alexander Clark (Men’s Cross Country) and Zofia Boruta (Women’s Volleyball). 

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to two athletes who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility. Awarded to Sarah D’Hondt (Loggersports) and Kyle Sarcol (Men’s Volleyball).

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication on the field. Awarded to Kaitlyn Auchterlonie (Women’s Rugby Sevens).

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to loggersports athletes who show heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport. Awarded to Kaden Bulmer (Loggersports: Kris Starr Award) and Holly Smith (Loggersports: Adam Evans Award). 

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics. Awarded to Sarah D’Hondt (Loggersports).

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by their passion for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience. Awarded to Josh Williams (Men’s Basketball).

OCAA Honour Awards: Presented to OCAA athletes based on athletic performance, selected, and voted on by other OCAA institutions. 

Julia Kata – Women’s Rugby Sevens – 2024 OCAA Women’s Rugby League All-Star and All-Rookie Team 
Taya Torrance – Women’s Soccer – 2024 OCAA Women’s Soccer East Division All-Rookie Team 

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year. 

Women’s Rugby
MVP: Julia Kata 
Rookie of the Year: Sara Petersen

Men’s Curling
MVP: Matthew Murray
Rookie of the Year: Isaac Looyenga

Women’s Curling
MVP: Miranda Jensen
Rookie of the Year: Brittany Brasier

Cross Country
MVP: Alexander Clark
Rookie of the Year: Jessica Scott

Men’s Soccer 
MVP: Emmanuel Folayan
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Clarke

Women’s Soccer
MVP: Miranda DiSalvo
Rookie of the Year: Mikayla Sproule

Men’s Loggersports
MVP: Thomas Kitchen
Rookie of the Year: Sayre Hart 

Women’s Loggersports
MVP: Darian Carpenter
Rookie of the Year: Nicole Roy

Men’s Basketball
MVP: Jordan Morgan
Rookie of the Year: Mani Maynard

Men’s Volleyball
MVP: Kyle Sarcol
Rookie of the Year: Gibson Northrup

Women’s Volleyball
MVP: Zofia Boruta
Rookie of the Year: Micaiah Rojas

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman Arrested On Theft Charges At a Business On Two Separate Occasions

A 35-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges after a theft from a business on Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 6 p.m. on Tuesday, an officer spotted the woman in the Stewart Street and Dalhousie Street area and took her into custody.

The woman was wanted in connection with a theft from a business in the Charlotte Street and Aylmer Street area on Monday afternoon. Items were taken from the store without payment on two separate occasions.  

The woman was charged with:

• Theft Under $5,000

• Fail to Comply with Probation

• Fail to Comply with Release Order

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 currently bound by a release order not to attend the business where the incident happened. They are also being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Closes Sandbag Fill Location

The City of Peterborough has closed its remaining sandbag filling location on Riverside Drive at Archibald Street, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City does not anticipate the station will reopen.

Sandbag fill locations were set up in response to localized flooding caused by high water conditions along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

The City reminds residents to continue to exercise caution near the Otonabee River, creeks and other waterways, as banks may be unstable due to high and fast-moving water.

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows and weather forecasts along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Mayor Jeff Leal Issues Apology For Quoting a Racial Slur During Lecture at Trent University

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal is apologizing for using a racial slur during a lecture at Trent University.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incident occurred when Leal spoke as a guest lecturer and quoted former United States president Lyndon B. Johnson while he was a congressman in the 1930s.

Leal released the following statement:

During a recent guest lecture at Trent University, I quoted a historical remark attributed to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from his time as a congressman in the 1930s. In doing so, the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful.

I sincerely apologize. Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University, and to my community.

I believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community. I did not contribute to the betterment of my community when I used that quote – when I said those words.

I am committed to listening, learning, and doing better.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.