Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough to Mark Red Dress Day On Monday
/Red Dresses will be hanging in the windows of City Hall to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) on Monday.
File Photo.
Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim May 5 as Red Dress Day during a commemorative ceremony on Monday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. All are welcome to attend.
“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking and ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada,” said Leal. “The red dresses hanging in silence call out for justice, action and for the recognition of lives lost and families forever changed. On the National Day of Awareness, I encourage all residents of Peterborough to take a moment to reflect on the lives behind the statistics, and to consider hanging a red dress in a window, on a porch, or in a public space as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity.”
“We cannot turn away from the systemic racism and gender-based violence that have made Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people disproportionately vulnerable,” said Shelley Knott, Advisor, Indigenous Relations with the City of Peterborough. “As a country, and as a community, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act. On this National Day of Awareness, we ask that you stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those who are missing or murdered—and in committing to a future where all people can live in safety, dignity, and respect.”
The ceremony will include a smudging ceremony, singing, traditional drumming and speeches from local dignitaries.
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Applications Open For 2025 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries
/Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 2 at midnight.
(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford (last year’s recipient) and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.
The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.
A committee comprising H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.
To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:
A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university
Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury
Be in satisfactory academic standing
Have financial need
Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online and submitting it via email to Vince Bierworth at Vince@GPHSF.ca.
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Peterborough Man Hits Jackpot Catching Top-Prize Fish "Walter" At 36th Annual Fishing Derby
/Peterborough’s D.J. Rheams walking away with $1,000 after catching top-prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 36th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Tuesday afternoon.
D.J. Rheams with top-prize fish Walter. The catch is a four-pound rainbow trout. Walter had originally jumped over a netting barricade and was caught downriver by unregistered participants. They got to keep the fish but a '“New” Walter was thrown into the canal on Saturday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The 34-year-old caught the four-pound rainbow trout just before 3 p.m. Rheams originally was not planning to attend the Derby until his sister convinced him to participate. The Lindsay-born angler had fished on Monday without catching anything. He almost gave up before he discovered that he hooked and eventually caught Walter.
“Honestly, when I finally stopped trying, I just was daydreaming,” explained Rheams. “Suddenly my line just starting running.”
A volunteer pointed out that Rheams had hooked the prized fish but he did not believe it at first. He sought out help in catching and reeling the fish in and it paid off.
“I was in disbelief and she helped me land it,” he said. I paid the admission for the extra help. It was unbelievable.”
Rheams had always participated in the Derby when he was young and had always dreamed about landing Walter.
“Just as a kid, you always think about catching Walter and how it's a big deal,” he explained. “One of first people I'd call were my cousins and I'd always do this Derby with them as a kid.”
Rheams already has plans to use the $1,000 he has won.
“We actually have a kid coming June 2nd so I definitely want to be buying baby stuff. That's quite exciting,” he said.
Last year, no one caught Walter and claimed the top prize.
The derby continues until Sunday, with $3,000 worth of prizes still available at the time of this article's publication. This includes “Rosie” worth $250 and a free OFAH Day Camp.
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Peterborough and Some Parts of the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
/Peterborough, Lakefield and Southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch after favourable conditions have developed for dangerous thunderstorms, according to Environment Canada.
Lightning in Bobcaygeon. Photo by Jay Callaghan.
The thunderstorms could appear early this afternoon into the early evening. It may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, large hail up to four cm and a risk of a tornado.
Environment Canada suggests a cold front moving through the area is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms this afternoon.
Advise caution as large hail can damage property and cause injury. Powerful wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.
In case of severe weather, take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. Environment Canada urges people to stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes, as there is no safe place outside.
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Peterborough Man Arrested For Brandishing Knife At Peterborough Regional Health Centre Security
/A 28-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after causing a disturbance and drawing a knife towards security at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Tuesday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 3:45 a.m., a disturbance occurred at the PRHC’s Emergency Department. Officers learned that security had asked a man to leave the premises. The suspect became aggressive with security and brandished a knife before fleeing.
A man matching the description given to police was located walking away from the hospital. Due to the suspect reported to have a weapon, officers drew their Conducted Energy Weapons and initiated an arrest. The man complied with the officer's demands and was taken into custody. Security officers located a knife and turned it over to police.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
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Mayor Jeff Leal Congratulates Liberal MP-Elect Emma Harrison On Election Victory
/After the results of last night’s federal election, Mayor Jeff Leal has congratulated Liberal candidate and MP-Elect Emma Harrison for winning the Peterborough seat from Monday night.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Leal was briefly in attendance at Harrison’s election party at the Canadian Canoe Museum when the latter made her entrance, moments after she was declared the winner of her respective riding.
Leal also served as MPP for the former Peterborough-Kawartha riding (now Peterborough) for four terms from 2003 to 2018 under the Liberal Party.
The following is a statement released by Leal:
On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I offer my sincere congratulations to Emma Harrison on being elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough.
I also want to thank Michelle Ferreri for her service as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough – Kawartha.
Our community faces important challenges and opportunities, including the need for more housing, investments in critical infrastructure, support for local economic growth, and partnerships that strengthen services for our residents.
We look forward to working with MP Harrison to ensure that federal policies and programs support the needs of communities like Peterborough.
We wish her every success as she begins this important work on behalf of our community.
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Liberal Candidate Emma Harrison Named MP-Elect For Peterborough In Federal Election
/There’s a new sheriff in town as Liberal Party candidate Emma Harrison has been elected the Member of Parliament of the Peterborough riding, as she celebrated her victory at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Monday night.
Harrison defeated incumbent and Conservative candidate Michelle Ferrari with 36,772 votes (52.6 per cent) to the latter’s 29,865 votes (42.7 per cent).
The MP-elect was named the Liberal Party candidate on March 22 and had 37 days to campaign before the election. In addition to crediting her campaign staff, Harrison noted that she put in the work to hear the concerns of her constituents, which ultimately led to her election.
“Working tirelessly, listening, showing up and asking questions on what the people are concerned about,” she explained.
Harrison’s win was not the only vital win for the Liberals, as Mark Carney was elected as Prime Minister with a minority government.
“It's what we need right now. We need a Mark Carney-led government, absolutely,” explained Harrison. “He is the perfect person for this time, we've said it over and over again, it is a critical election and we are so lucky to have him.”
A Selwyn resident, Harrison is a third-generation farmer and small business owner, operating her family farm alongside her husband, Peterborough paramedic Connor, and their children. While she has no prior political experience, Harrison said that fact will ‘absolutely not’ deter her from getting the job done.
“I have a tremendous amount of life experience that's going to lend itself beautifully to this role, like it did in the campaign,” she explained.
The following were the results of the Peterborough Riding:
Emma Harrison (Liberal) - 37,802 votes (52.5 per cent)
Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) - 30,734 votes (42.7 per cent)
Heather Ray (NDP) - 2,187 votes (3 per cent)
Jazmine Raine (Green Party) - 602 votes (0.8 per cent)
Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC) - 258 votes (0.4 per cent)
Chad Jewell (Ind) - 210 votes (0.3 per cent)
Matthew Grove (CHP) 155 votes (0.2 per cent)
The following were the results of the federal election:
Liberals - 163 seats (minority government)
Conservative - 149 seats
Bloc Québécois - 23 seats
New Democrats - seven seats
Green Party - one seat
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Rotary Club of Peterborough Breaks Fundraising Record of $57,748 From 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim
/The Rotary Club of Peterborough has a new fundraising record, accumulating $57,748 at the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim fundraiser, announced at the Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre on Monday afternoon.
Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
This is the first swim without Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January. He started this event 39 years ago.
“The community really came out,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president. “It's a bittersweet thing that people came out and with Carl's passing but we're pledged to keep it going and with great enthusiasm.”
Approximately 15 teams and organizations signed up for the Swimathon and other activities. Groups and individuals signed up to participate in swim lanes, catwalk, and cannonball challenges to raise money for the event.
The goal was to raise $50,000 which was easily shattered.
One aspect Seim recognized this year was that there were a lot more participants from younger generations who helped fundraise for the cause and contribute to Oake’s legacy.
“What I'm really happy about is that we're getting more and more young people coming out,” he explained. “We've had two hockey teams, we had the Lakers out this year, the U13/U18 Petes as well as the Special Olympics so it's good to see the younger people coming out.”
The Rotary Club presented cheques for $13,000 to Easter Seals and $3,000 to the YMCA for their Strong Kids campaign during the announcement.
The Carl Oake Rotary Swim Committee have named next year (as the 40th Anniversary) to be ‘like totally 80s’ themed. It reflects the year 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture during that time.
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Peterborough Man Arrested On Harassing Multiple Women at a Walmart From Early March
/A 23-year-old Peterborough man is facing a criminal harassment charge following an incident on March 8.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
