City of Peterborough Recognizing Provincial Day of Action On Litter Tuesday

The City of Peterborough is celebrating the Provincial Day of Action on Litter on Tuesday.

So far this year, the City has supported 26 community cleanup events. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Observed on the second Tuesday of May each year, the initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills or becoming litter by raising awareness of waste's impact on the environment.  

Ways to help reduce litter include:  

• Reducing waste by using items or purchasing second-hand items 

• Diverting waste from landfills by recycling or composting materials when and where possible    

• Preventing waste and litter before it is created by choosing to buy goods with less packaging or by bringing a reusable container to take-out establishments that accept them 

• Properly disposing of waste by making sure anything that does belong in the trash is securely placed in garbage bins to help keep neighbourhoods clean 

Groups can request a litter cleanup kit from the City of Peterborough’s Public Works department to assist in cleanup efforts. Litter cleanup kits can be obtained online.

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Two Peterborough Women Charged With Impaired Driving After Revving In Lane During Green Light

Two Peterborough women are facing impaired charges after an incident early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5 a.m., a general patrol officer in the Aylmer Street and Sherbrooke Street area spotted a vehicle parked in a live lane. The engine was revving, the tires were spinning and smoke was coming from the vehicle's rear. The vehicle continued to stay parked despite the light being green.

The officer then spotted the driver exit and another person enter the driver’s seat and attempt to drive away. The officer conducted a traffic stop and noticed signs of impairment with both people in the vehicle’s driver’s seat.

A 23-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Green light - fail to proceed as directed (Highway Traffic Act)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

A 19-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Both accused were released on an appearance notice and are scheduled to appear in court on June 17.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Trent University, Kawartha Manufacturers, Opus Tribute Group and Gardens Plus

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

There’s a new micro credential program from Trent University that is designed for women moving into leadership positions in government, public administration, and non-profits.

The Women's Leadership in Governance program explains some of the challenges women leaders face in public service. Further, it engages strategies and behaviours to employ toward enabling women leaders to lead successfully. The course starts soon, so reach out to Trent University if you’re interested.

The Kawartha Manufacturers are hosting a Finance for Non-Finance People workshop at Savage Arms in Lakefield on May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

It’s aimed at manufacturing supply chain supervisors, managers, and technical or project managers without formal business or finance training. The workshop will provide useful concepts to help influence the financial position of your company. A tour of Savage Arms will follow. There is a non-member rate for the workshop, or you can sign up for a KMA membership.

Little Lake Cemetery Company, a longstanding leader in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, has rebranded as Opus Tribute Group.

The new name reflects a broader vision and renewed commitment to honouring life stories with compassion, dignity, and personalized care. The company goes back 175 years and now encompasses a growing network of cemetery, memorial, and funeral service providers, including Highland Park Funeral Centre, Little Lake Cemetery, Highland Park Cemetery, Mill Valley Funeral and Cremation Centre in Millbrook, Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre in Lindsay, and Trent Cremation Services.

This week we’re highlighting a locally grown business.

A big congratulations to Gardens Plus on winning the Canadian Choice Awards for Garden Centre in Peterborough. Gardens Plus is now in its 28th season. Not only is it the place to go as you start planting your gardens, but they are also selling gardening books with all proceeds going to the Survivors Abreast team for the month of May. They have a great selection of easy-care perennials like hostas, daylilies, coral bell, and coneflower. Check out Gardens Plus at 136 County Rd. 4 in Donwood.

We have a correction to a previous edition. While POI Peterborough is happy to help find solutions for your workplace, they do not sell pencils and paperclips.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Trent University Gives $900,000 In Grant Funding to Youth-Led Community Impact Projects

To foster youth leadership and equip young Canadians with meaningful life skills and experiences, Trent University’s new Impact Microgrant Program has distributed $900,000 in grant funding from the Government of Canada’s Canada Service Corps (CSC) to support student—and youth-led projects that address community needs across Canada.

Intending to award 180 microgrants by spring 2027, the Impact Microgrant Program has already distributed nearly $40,000 in support of youth-led initiatives. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This joint initiative is led by the Office of Student Affairs and Careerspace at Trent, the Impact Microgrant Program. It is for Trent students, non-Trent students and community members aged 15-30 to receive up to $5,000 to help them lead small-scale, innovative community service projects they conceive. 

“The Impact Microgrant Program is a catalyst for social innovation and long-term civic engagement, empowering young people to work in partnership with local organizations to bring fresh, community-focused ideas to life,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice-president of Trent International and Careerspace. “We look forward to supporting diverse and meaningful projects that will emerge from this program, creating positive and visible change across our region and growth for the individuals who lead them.” 

Early projects feature efforts to empower black children in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, foster cultural connectivity within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and create inclusive outdoor spaces in Peterborough.

Successful program participants will also complete 15 hours of coursework to earn a complementary micro-credential in leadership and project management from Trent.

This program is a new iteration of Trent’s previous Impact Leadership Program, which facilitated hundreds of students' volunteer community service placements with organizations such as Special Olympics, United Way and the Kawartha World Issues Centre.

“When young people are given the chance to make a difference, they gain more than experience. They develop confidence, compassion, and sense of purpose that will serve them well in their academic, professional, and personal lives, while also enriching the communities they serve,” said Lawrence Lam, associate vice-president, Students.

Applications for the program’s next intake are being accepted until May 26. 

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JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Kawartha Lakes Inductees

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated its five local business owners at its third annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony for Kawartha Lakes at Mackey Celebrations on Thursday.

Gordon A. Ferguson (top left), The Poole Family (top right), Sherry Peel (bottom right) and Tim Wisener (bottom right). The Torrey Family (not pictured). Photo courtesy of Geoff Coleman, Lindsay Advocate and JA-Neo.

“The Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony will recognize the City of Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the local economy and their community through their extraordinary accomplishments,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President amd CEO. “I want to personally congratulate each of tonight’s honorees. They truly are exemplary individuals, widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions, and they are inspiration to us all.”

This year’s honourees include:

• Gordon A. Ferguson - Northern Casket

• The Poole Family - Buckeye Marine

• Sherry Peel - Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing  

• Tim Wisener - The Grove Theatre

• The Torrey Family - Torrey-Dale Farms

“The JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame not only focuses on celebrating outstanding local business leaders from across our community, it also plays an essential role in helping to prepare and inspire the next generation,” explained McNutt. “All of the proceeds raised from tonight’s event will help JA meet the growing demand for our financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship educational programs for students.”

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City to Perform Fire Hydrant Flow Testing From May 12 to 31

As part of routine maintenance, fire hydrant flow testing of the water distribution system will take place from May 12 to 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sean Skelly Contracting conducts the work on behalf of the City of Peterborough.. During this period, work will be completed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Testing is scheduled for the northwest quadrant of the City:

• West of Aylmer Street and Chemong Road to the north and west city limits

• North of Sherbrooke Street to the north and west city limits

Water may become coloured or cloudy for a brief period. If this occurs, residents should run the cold water tap closest to the source until the water is clear. 

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Peterborough Teen Charged With Impaired Driving Leading to a Collision

A 19-year-old Peterborough man is facing an impaired driving charge that led to a collision on Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 p.m., a collision at Armour Hill occurred between two vehicles and one fleeing the scene.

While police searched for the second vehicle, they received a call that the driver was at the police station. Officers noticed signs of impairment after speaking with the driver. The vehicle was later located in a parking lot near Armour Road and Hunter Street East. No one was injured in the collision.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued a 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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City of Peterborough Seeking Public Input Sought for Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project

The City of Peterborough invites residents to provide feedback and share ideas on the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project during an open house at the Holiday Inn Waterfront, 150 George St. N., on May 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project area is along Crescent Street between Haggart Street and the entrance to Del Crary Park.

The project is currently in the conceptual planning stage. At 5:30 p.m., a brief presentation will provide a background overview.

Enhancements could include options such as:

• New active transportation facilities in alignment with the Transportation Master Plan

• Shoreline erosion protection

• Shoreline naturalization

• Improvements to aquatic habitat and native replanting

• Better recreational access to Little Lake for water-based activities

• Traffic calming measures to improve safety

• Creation of enhanced public gathering spaces

The City seeks community input to inform design development and ensure the project reflects community needs and values.

Residents are encouraged to share input on:

• Current use of the area

• Identify challenges and opportunities within the corridor

• Offer ideas for potential improvements

• Help shape priorities for circulation, safety and public space

Feedback gathered at the open house will help guide the development of concept options and inform future phases of the project.

This project is the first phase of the broader Little Lake Loop, a key objective of both the Central Area Master Plan and the Little Lake Master Plan. The City has retained CIMA+ through a competitive RFP process to lead the engineering and design work.

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36 Students Recognized With Catholic Student Leadership Awards

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

The ceremony occured In celebration of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to 9). Photo courtesy of PVNC.

The event honoured one student from PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and community.

Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. PNVC says each award winner has demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, a strong commitment to family values, active participation in school life, meaningful community involvement, and remarkable dedication in facing challenges.

“As we celebrate our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we’re reminded of the vital role faith plays not only in education, but in shaping compassionate, committed individuals,” said Kevin MacKenzie, PVNC board chairperson. “These students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Their actions reflect the strength of our Catholic values, service, community, and faith and the meaningful impact those values can have in the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and excited to see the difference they will continue to make, both within their schools and far beyond.”

“Our 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ invites us to reflect on what it means to journey together in faith. Our student leaders are showing us the way. They are living witnesses to hope — honouring human dignity, caring for creation, serving in solidarity, and building peace in their communities,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, PVNC director of education. “These young people remind us that leadership is not just about excellence — it’s about empathy. It’s about lifting others up. And it’s about living out our Catholic values with integrity and purpose.”

The following is a full list of all recipients:

• Elena Jacob - Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

• Julianna Taylor - Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

• Paige Sexton - St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

• Addison Burge - St. Francis of Assisi, Newcastle

• Keira Humeniuk - St. Elizabeth CES, Bowmanville

• Koi Alcindor-Ojara - St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

• Marc Najera - Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

• Georgia James - Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

• Hana Lee - Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

• Jola Adeniji - St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

• Laura Wicks - St. Anne CES, Peterborough

• Claire Sehn - St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

• Charlotte Coulter - St. John CES, Peterborough

• Mackenzie Edge - St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

• Ruby Hale - St. Paul CES, Peterborough

• Aaren Gomes - St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

• Faith Hickey - St. Joseph CES, Douro

• Cleodora McDonald - St. Martin CES, Ennismore

• Charlie Stone - St. Paul CES, Lakefield

• Kaitlyn Doherty - St. Paul CES, Norwood

• Finley Sedgwick - St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

• Nicholas Riccio - Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

• Elizabeth Maurice - St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

• Mary Katherine Marsden - St. Michael CES, Cobourg

• Gordie Gilders - St. Mary CES, Campbellford

• Abigail Chute - St. Mary CES, Grafton

• Caine Lucas-Mark - St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

• Peyton O’Leary - St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

• Nora Woychesko - St. Mary CES, Lindsay

• Eli Kerr - St. Luke CES, Downeyville

• Henry Arteaga - Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

• Talia Pudlik - St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

• Holly Heuchert - Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

• Madison Nolan - St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

• Ava Liao-McDonell - St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

• Rachel Goodhand - St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

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Fleming College Takes Home Five Gold Medal At Skills Ontario 2025

Fleming College showcased itself at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition, bringing home five gold medals and two bronze medals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This annual competition challenges post-secondary students to compete in various hands-on challenges.

The following are the medal winners in their respective categories:

Gold medal winners: 

• Shane Loranger – Welding 

• Paul Grosse – Restaurant Service 

• Aeden Ball – Cybersecurity 

• Liam Deneve – Arborist

• Dylan Waddell – Carpentry 

Bronze medal winners: 

• Gavin O’Rourke – Carpentry 

• Cory Hughes – Heating Systems Technician 

Loranger and Waddell qualified to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition later this spring.

Fleming College received the Best Large Booth award at the Skills Ontario Competition.

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