Two Trent Professors Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

Trent University professors Dr. Stephen Hill and Dr. Naomi Nichols have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a national honour recognizing their leadership in climate policy and social justice, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right) Dr. Naomi Nichols, Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Stephen Hill. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The medals were presented at Trent’s annual Heart of Trent celebration. They acknowledge their work in environmental action, housing advocacy and community engagement.

“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is an important and meaningful honour, and it’s no surprise that two members of the Trent community have been selected,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichols are changemakers. Their work on climate policy, housing, and social innovation reflects the very best of what Trent stands for: scholarship that is grounded in collaboration and driven by real-world impact.”

Awarded by the Government of Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service, leadership or actions have contributed meaningfully to building a better Canada through long-standing volunteerism, professional excellence, or impactful community engagement.

Hill is the director of the Trent School of the Environment. As one of the University’s leading experts in climate and energy policy and community-based sustainability, his research bridges climate change mitigation, environmental science, policy and Indigenous perspectives, all through a local-first lens according to Trent. Hill also has roles on Trent’s Nature Areas Committee and with organizations like Sustainable Peterborough.

Nichols is an associate professor and graduate director in the Sociology Department at Trent University. She is also an award-winning researcher and director of the Research for Social Change Lab. She collaborates closely with community organizations and marginalized populations to champion issues like youth homelessness and systemic inequality.

While the Coronation Medals marked a national spotlight on Trent’s academic leadership, the Heart of Trent celebration also recognized dozens of faculty and staff whose everyday contributions continue to shape the University’s culture, community, and success.

A full list of award winners at Heart of Trent follows:

Eminent Service Award: Dr. Rita Bode and Professor David Newhouse
Presented to individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role, awarded at the culmination of their careers at Trent.  

Dr. Rita Bode
Dr. Rita Bode has made lasting contributions to Trent University, particularly at the Durham campus where she began her tenure as an assistant professor of English Literature in 2003. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the first associate dean at Trent Durham, playing a pivotal role in relocating the campus to its current Thornton Road South location. Renowned as a mentor and leader, Professor Bode’s impressive career spans award-winning research, distinguished teaching, and tireless service to the profession, including a leadership role as chair with the Northeast Modern Language Association. A respected scholar of North American and Transatlantic literatures, she is the editor of Wharton’s Novellas and currently serves as editor of the prestigious Edith Wharton Review. Her co-edited collection L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s) won the 2018 Gabrielle Roy Prize for the year’s best work in Canadian literary criticism.

Prof. David Newhouse 
Professor David Newhouse has been a transformative educator and researcher at Trent University since joining in 1992. As chair of the Indigenous Studies program and inaugural director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, he has been instrumental in expanding Indigenous academic programming and strengthening cross-University collaboration. A visionary leader, Dr. Newhouse played a key role in establishing the First Peoples House of Learning and has led efforts to Indigenize Trent’s policies, research ethics, and academic structures – ensuring Indigenous Knowledge, guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, is respected and embedded across the institution. His contributions have shaped not only Trent, but the broader academic landscape in Canada, advancing the University’s mission while empowering future generations of students and scholars.

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Leslie Spooner, Assistant Director Customer Engagement & Operations, Trent University Athletics & Recreation
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.

Team Innovation Award: Library Services Team
Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.   

Trent Community Leadership Award: Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor, and Prof. Sarah Jamieson, Assistant Professor, Biology
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.    

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Thomas Hossie, Assistant Professor, Biology
Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.

Emeritus Awards: A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Rita Bode, Victoria de Zwaan, Cyndi Gilmer, Brendan Hickie, David Newhouse, Erica Nol
The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University.

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Trish Pearce, Academic Administrative Assistant Coordinator
Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Alba Agostino, Associate Professor and Chair, Child & Youth Studies
Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large.

2025 Long Service Awards:  

• 40 Years: Stephen Brown, Marisa Scigliano

• 35 Years: Charmaine Eddy, Joel Markle, Alan O’Connor, Andreas Pickel, Jacquie Slater, Elaine Stavro

• 30 Years: Sherry Booth, Fiona Harris-Stoertz, Sharon Hepburn, Brendan Hickie 

• 25 Years: Robert Ballarin, Robert Dack, Sean Daniels, Raymond Dart, Lynne Davis, Neil Emery, Wenying Feng, Tara Harrington, Lori Johnston, Holly Kuin, Lisa Ropertz, Laura Summerfeldt  

“At the Heart of Trent are the people who make this university more than a place to study or work,” said Bruce. “Through national honours, years of dedicated service, or quiet acts of leadership, the individuals recognized at this year’s celebration embody our shared commitment to meaningful change, grounded in academic excellence and community engagement.”

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City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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The Queensway Temporarily Closed For Watermain Repair

The Queensway between Erskine Avenue and Crown Drive is temporarily closed due to a water main break that needs repair, announced by the City of Peterborough on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The road is currently closed and expected to be completed later this afternoon or evening.

During this time, the surrounding streets are open for detouring.

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YMCA Pickleball Tournament Raises $15,391 For Its Strong Kids Campaign

The YMCA of Central East Ontario hosted the second annual Pickleball Tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, raised $15,391 that ran on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Team Pearce was the top fundraising team with $7,947, with Team Hamblin raising $5,894. Lindsay Seabrooke was the top fundraising individual with $2,450 and Team Pearce won the Golden Pickle as the tournament winners.

Following the tournament, the 2025 Strong Kids Campaign was launched to ensure kids and families with financial needs can access YMCA programs and services in our community. Kinsmen Club of Peterborough kicked it off with a $5,000.

Donations to support the campaign can be made online or in person at the YMCA any time during the year.

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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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