Kawartha Dows Releases 2025 Event Schedule; Harness Racing Moved to Back to Saturday Nights

It's close to post time for Kawartha Downs (KD) as they released their lineup of events for 2025, including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Richard Waldon, Kawartha president; Alpacas Charm, Bijoux, Deidra and Frances Stewart Alpaca Ontario President. One event is the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Harness racing has 18 dates, with the opening day on May 14. The grand opening will feature Ontario Sires Stakes Racing to kick off the racing season. A significant change this year is that harness racing nights are reverted to Saturdays with an earlier post time of 6 p.m. The move was to accommodate cottage-goers, account for highway traffic and be more accessible to everyone.

The track's major change is broadcasting KD races outside of in-house for the first time according to Lindsay Bax, Kawartha Downs harness racing manager.

“We will have our live racing signal on the live Simulcast that will be featured both in Canada and in the United States,” she explained.

The second floor and lounge have received upgrades, which include renovated spaces and increased television sets for viewing other racetracks for betting or entertainment. Bax says more upgrades will follow but they have been delayed due to several factors.

“We will be adding several more things as we come along,” she explained. “With the ice storm in the local area and obviously with all the political climate, a few things were delayed but I think you're going to see two or three more things roll out that will help.”

This year's new events include the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show, the Kawartha Hobby Toy and Collectible Show, and more.

KD wanted to make a concerted effort to ensure that harness racing is for all ages rather than the perceived notion of it just being an adult affair due to its gambling nature.

“100 per cent it is a stigma but harness racing specifically is one of the most approachable sports that you can go to as a family,” explained Bax. “There is no cost to come to the racetrack. If you don't want to wager, you don't have to wager. You can get food and beverage and watch the horses. Everybody's looking to save pennies when you do this as a family and this provides and checks all those boxes.”

A full event list can be found online.

The following are all harness racing dates on Saturdays with post time scheduled for 6 p.m.:

• May 17 (Grand Opening with Ontario Sires Stakes Racing)

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 28

• July 5 (Weiner Dog Racing)

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9 (Kids Night, Powerwheel Racing)

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

• Sept. 20 (Customer and Caretaker Appreciation Night)

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Peterborough Woman Wanted On Several Warrants Arrested After Trying to Flee From Police and Resisting Them

A 24-year-old Peterborough woman wanted on several warrants was arrested after an incident Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:10 p.m., the Peterborough Police Service received information of a female shoplifter in the area of Charlotte St and Aylmer St. Officers attended the area, located the woman and detained her while investigating the complaint.

Officers learned from the investigation that the suspect had several outstanding warrants. When the female learned of them, she tried to run from the officers but was quickly caught and arrested. During the arrest, the female fought with officers.

The woman faces the following charges:

• Robbery with theft

• Fail to comply with probation x2

• Fail to attend court after having appeared x2

• Fail to comply with release order

• Escape lawful custody

• Resist peace officer

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Celebration of Life For Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Held Next Week Thursday

A celebration of life for Peterborough Petes alumnus, sports broadcaster and longtime local resident Gregory (Greg) Hearst Millen will be held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre next Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. for family, friends and colleagues.

Photo courtesy of Reynolds Funeral Home.

Millen passed away at 67 unexpectedly from a cardiovascular event on Monday.

He played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected him 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.

Millen married his high school sweetheart, Ann. This summer would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, the couple had four children: Allie (Mike Mason), Emily (Garrett Kean), Caroline (Mike Tobin), and Charlie (Marissa DiNardo). He and Ann also had eight grandchildren (Beau, Pippa, Beatrice, Oscar, Louie, June, Wallace, and Penelope).

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ALS Canada or the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice.

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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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