City of Peterborough Launch New Maps to Help Residents Track Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

The City of Peterborough has developed three new maps to help residents track its ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm that occurred from March 28 to March 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This map displays ongoing curbside brush debris and cleanup. Incomplete streets are shown in red and streets completed since Monday are displayed in green.

Crews will not return to a street once it has been marked as completed. All brush and debris related to the ice storm should be placed curbside. Brush collection will be ongoing, with several crews deployed daily. The collection is expected to take six to seven weeks to complete.

Residents are asked not to obstruct debris piles by parking in front of them. Crews will not return for brush and debris missed due to an obstructed location.

This map shows Right of Ways that still contain known hazards and Right of Ways that have been cleared of known hazards. If a tree-related issue remains in a completed area, the City asks to call Public Works at 705-745-1386 or report the issue online.

Residents in zones still marked as containing hazards are asked to be patient as crews work to address the issue. Please call Public Works to report any immediate matters.

This map indicates parks that have been cleared of known hazards and are open and parks that remain closed due to ongoing brush and debris hazards and removal. Parks that remain closed are shaded red.

Residents are asked to remain out of parks that are still listed as closed, and to follow all posted signage and barricades.

Residents are reminded to use caution in open parks. Subsequent windstorms may have resulted in further downed limbs and branches in previously cleared parks. Residents can report an issue by calling 705-745-1386 or online.

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Oshawa Man Charged With Armed Robbery and Drug Trafficking Charges From a March Incident

A 23-year-old Oshawa man is facing drug possession charges after an investigation by officers with the Peterborough Police Service Drug Unit.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In March, the Peterborough Police Service responded to a robbery. An investigation identified the suspect and no injuries were sustained.

At roughly 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Drug Unit officers located the suspect in a parking lot in the Chemong Road and Milroy Drive area and took him into custody.  After the arrest, officers conducted two search warrants, including one at a residence in the Towerhill Road and Hilliard Street area.

Officers seized:

• 17 grams of fentanyl

• 91.7 grams of cocaine.

• Canadian currency

• Drug paraphernalia

The man was charged with:

• Point Firearm

• Robbery with Firearm

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

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

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City Conducting Pavement Crack Sealing Work In Downtown Streets

The City of Peterborough has construction crews to begin routing and sealing cracks in the asphalt pavement surface on several downtown core streets, beginning Wednesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Pavement sealing will take place overnight and is expected to take three to four nights to complete. Crack sealing will take place on the following streets:  

• Water Street, between Charlotte Street and Sherbrooke Street 

• George Street, between Sherbrooke Street and Lake Street 

• Hunter Street, from Stewart Street to Aylmer Street 

• King Street, all except from Water Street to George Street 

No road closures are expected. Lane reductions will be implemented while work is underway. 

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Lakefield Farmers’ Market Opening Day Starts This Thursday

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market returns for 2025 starting this Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, behind the Lakefield Arena on 20 Concession St.

Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

Returning vendors this year include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, Buns & Sweets, Carolina Coffee, Cedar Grove Organic Farm, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, LaMesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Madrigal Gardens, McLean Berry Farm, Ontario Cheese Union, Otonabee Apiary, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps and Yellow House Bees.

Kawartha Lakes Flower Farm and Mr. & Mrs. Perogie are new to this year's market.

In addition to weekly vendors, the market will welcome pop-up vendors throughout the season, including: Brad’s Knife Sharpening, Otonabee River Craft Co., Selwyn Makerspace, The Doggery, Juniper’s Wild Apothecary, and Munchies Gourmet Kettlecorn.

Opening Day festivities include a visit from Shifting Gears and B!KE: The Community Bike Shop. Market visitors can participate in the May Challenge, learn more about sustainable travel, and enjoy free bike tune-ups and giveaways.

Live music is also at opening day.

The market runs every Thursday from May 15 to October 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Shoppers are also invited to a special Mother’s Day Market this Sundaymfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beside The Village Inn, 39 Queen St. in Downtown Lakefield.

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Local Photographer Opens New Studio In Downtown Peterborough

Studio 5, a new photography studio, has opened its doors to the public with a grand opening in Downtown Peterborough on Water Street.

Le Franc was recently nominated for a Luminary Award, recognizing her early accomplishments and promising future in the local business landscape. Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc Photo.

Founded by Kayla Le Franc, a Peterborough-based portrait photographer, she held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion on Friday.

“Standing there as a mom, a wife, and a woman building something from the ground up… and having my son cut the ribbon with me — that was everything,” said Le Franc. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from the Peterborough community. The guidance from Community Futures through the Starter Company Plus program has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the continued support and encouragement from the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.”

“Watching Kayla open her own studio space just months after graduating from the Starter Company Plus program is nothing short of inspiring,” said Rose Terry, Community Futures Peterborough Business Advisory Centre manager. “It was originally part of her five-year plan, but she’s moved with such clarity, confidence, and success that she launched far ahead of schedule. I couldn’t be prouder of the determination and drive she’s shown. She’s building something truly special, and it’s only the beginning.”

Studio 5 is also open to other professionals for rent such as photographers, videographers, content creators and more. Le Franc says the venue has bright, flexible spaceand comes equipped with natural light, a ring light, clean backdrop walls and other tools ideal for visual storytelling.

“Kayla’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when creative entrepreneurs are given the support and space to grow,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “By opening Studio 5 in the heart of downtown, she’s not only building a business — she’s contributing to the heartbeat of our creative community. The DBIA is proud to support visionaries like Kayla.”

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East City Village Business Improvement Area and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Announce One-Year Pilot Merger

The East City Village Business Improvement Area (VBIA) has merged with Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) under a one-year pilot agreement, announced on Tuesday.

The DBIA now represents businesses on both sides of the Otonabee River, marking the first time in its 44-year history that the original boundary has been expanded for a one-year pilot. File Photo.

According to a press release the merger aims to unite two distinct districts under a shared vision for local business support, advocacy and community development.

This allows East City businesses to participate in DBIA-run programs and promotions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome East City’s vibrant business community into the DBIA. East City has always been a beloved and essential part of Peterborough with a strong sense of place,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring together two really vibrant and connected communities to elevate our collective impact and work together to strengthen our local economy. This merger will create even more opportunities for businesses to thrive. I think this is a really exciting next step in Peterborough’s story.”

The Peterborough DBIA was established in 1981 to support and revitalize the downtown core. East City was not included in the original map due to its distinct geography and character according to VBIA. In the following years, East City merchants created their own volunteer-led BIA to advocate for area improvements, while maintaining a separate identity and operation.

“This merger represents an opportunity for East City to access new tools and larger resources, while still celebrating the charm and community that makes our side of the river so special,” said Cassia Piper, VBIA chair. “The Village BIA has been shaped by neighbours who care deeply about their community. Merging with the DBIA builds on that legacy. It opens new doors and offers more chances to be a part of the big-picture vision for downtown.”

The merger means East City businesses will now be included in initiatives such as the Boro Gift Card program and the annual Holiday Shopping Passport.

During the pilot period, the DBIA will work closely with East City business owners to ensure local priorities are recognized, supported and celebrated.

“This isn’t about dissolving identities, it’s about strengthening them,” said Mazloum. “We believe this partnership will amplify what makes East City unique while connecting these unique communities through shared opportunity.”

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Peterborough Man Charged With Drawing a Knife In an Elevator at a Tenant

A 50-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges including uttering threats while possessing a weapon, after an incident Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8 p.m., officers were called about an unwanted male in a Rogers Street and Hunter Street East area building.  The male had been spotted entering the building behind another tenant.  The tenant then found the male in the elevator, a confrontation started between the two with the unwanted man brandishing a knife and verbally threatening the tenant. 

The suspect then took off from the building. Officers searched the area and located a man matching the description given to police several blocks away and took him into custody. 

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 x4

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and to not possess any weapons as defined by the Criminal Code.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Third-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the third-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 21.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

“Youth mental health is a critical area of focus, given the unique challenges and needs of this demographic,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “We know the importance of providing accessible mental health care to young people, ensuring they can thrive. We are excited to announce this year’s proceeds will be going towards a new initiative called Planet Youth.”

To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $5,000.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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City of Peterborough Recognizing Mental Health Week Running May 5-11

The City of Peterborough has recognized Mental Health Week, which runs from May 5 to 11.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal has released a statement regarding the week:

“Mental health affects all of us—our families, our friends, our workplaces, and our communities. Whether we are facing challenges ourselves or supporting someone else, it's important to remember that help is available, recovery is possible, and no one should have to struggle alone.

Mental Health Week is a time to raise awareness about these issues while reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being. 

'This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking Mental Health,”’ emphasizes the importance of connection, compassion and community support. By talking openly about mental health, listening without judgment, and ensuring access to the resources people need, we can help create a healthier and more supportive Peterborough for everyone. 

I want to thank all the mental health professionals, advocates, caregivers, and community members who work every day to support the mental wellness of others. Let’s continue to stand together, speak up, and support one another—not just this week, but all year long.”

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Winners Announced For Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional Spelling Bee Championship

Excitement was buzzing as the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional Spelling Bee Championship have named their top three competitors in their respective divisions, held at Fleming College on Saturday.

The following where the top three spellers from the Junior and Intermediate divisions:

Junior (Gr. 4-6)

1. Verna Conlin-Hanley - St. Anne CES

2. Kieran Scerri - Kawartha Montessori School

3. Olivia Best - Queen Elizabeth PS

(from left to right) Buzz the Spelling Bee Mascot, Kieran Scerri, Verna Conlin-Hanley and Olivia Best of the Junior Division. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Intermediate (Gr. 7-8)

1. Henry Sharpe - Adam Scott Intermediate PS

2. Tyler Phillips - St. Teresa CES

3. Shreyas Balakrishnan - Kaawaate East City PS

(from Left to Right) Tyler Phillips, Shreyas Balakrishnan, Henry Sharpe of the intermediate division. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The top spellers in each division won a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a week at Camp Kawartha, bikes from Canadian Tire, lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, a party at Zap Attack Laser tag, tickets for local events courtesy of Miskin Law, cash for their schools’ literacy programs and more.

More than 4,000 children competed in qualifying bees at their schools in order to participate in the final event.

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