City of Peterborough Remains In State of Emergency As Ice Storm Response Continues

The City of Peterborough continues ongoing efforts in response to the ice storm that hit the region on March 30 as the State of Emergency declaration remains in place.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City continues to ask residents to reduce water use as water levels remain high along the Trent-Severn Waterway. These conditions are due to wet weather conditions and snow melting in the watershed's north region.

The City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is currently processing extremely high volumes of water. Reducing water use will help reduce demands on the sewage treatment system and assist with capacity at the facility.

Residents are urged to stay well back from shorelines and waterways. Due to fast-flowing water, banks may be unstable. Children should be supervised at all times, and pets should be leashed.

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels and flows and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis.

Brush and debris are being removed curbside. This service began in the north end of the City on Monday. It is expected to take four to six weeks to complete all areas of the City.

When placing debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please be mindful of sightlines for pedestrians and vehicular traffic safety. Avoid placing debris close enough to the curb that it may wash into the street during a rainstorm.

The City Landfill accepts residential brush, wood chips and damaged tree waste related to the ice storm at no charge until Monday.

The landfill will operate extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday to assist residents with storm cleanup.

The City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement to remove trees on private property that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

• Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterborough.ca, providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.

The bylaw waiver remains in place until April 28.

City-owned trees of any size, including street trees and trees in parks and natural areas, are owned and maintained by the City and are not eligible for removal or maintenance by residents. To report an issue with a City-owned tree, please call 705-742-7777 and dial 8, or 705-745-1386 after hours and weekends.

City parks and trails remain closed until further notice, due to ongoing hazards regarding falling trees and branches.

The City had an Emergency Benefit of up to $75 until 5 p.m. on Wednesday to cover storm-related expenses for eligible residents in areas still affected by the power outages.

This benefit is available to low-income residents, Ontario Works and ODSP recipients.

Eligible residents whose power has not been restored yet but who have not applied for the benefit by the deadline may still be eligible for this assistance but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Those residents are asked to contact the Social Services office at 705-748-8830 or in person at 178 Charlotte St. (Charlotte Mews) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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Public Information Session for Riverside Park and East City Bowl Upgrades Begins Thursday Night

The City of Peterborough is hosting a public information session about proposed upgrades to Riverside Park and East City Bowl on Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Lions Centre, 347 Burnham St.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Residents unable to attend the public information session can provide feedback through a public survey, available online at connectptbo.ca/riverside. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N.  The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on April 18.

The ball diamonds located at Riverside Park and East City Bowl, 325 Burnham St., require repairs to address areas of deterioration. The wood fence, bullpen, batting cage, irrigation, score keepers tower and lighting were identified as areas in need of improvement.

City of Peterborough staff will be available to answer questions about the proposed upgrades to the park. Residents can provide feedback on what amenities they want to see in the proposed revitalization of the park.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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