Ontario Government Plans to Cut Gas Tax; Proposing Taking Tolls Off Highway 407 East

The Ontario government plans to permanently cut the gasoline and fuel tax rates and proposes to remove tolls from the provincially-owned areas of Highway 407 East, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario Government.

The gas tax is estimated to save about $115 per year and the proposed toll removal would save daily commuters roughly $7,200 annually according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,” he’s aid. “That’s why we’re cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that’s why we’ll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families.”

The proposals are through the Ontario government, which is introducing legislation through its 2025 Budget. If passed, it would permanently cut the gas and fuel tax rate, resulting in provincial tax rates at nine cents per litre.

“Ontario families have seen prices on everyday items go up over the last several years,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “To help Ontarians cope with the high cost of living and the impacts of the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs, we are continuing to take action to ease the pressure and do more to help lower costs for households.”

The provincial government is also introducing legislation to permanently remove tolls on Highway 407, from Brock Road to Highway 35/115, effective June 1. This is the last stretch of Ontario's provincially owned and tolled highway. It follows the government’s previous removal of tolls from Highways 412 and 418 and its recent legislation banning new road tolls on any public roadway in Ontario.

“Our government is making it easier and more affordable for Ontarians to get where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The measures announced today will not only help to reduce traffic and commute times, but they will help put money back in the pockets of hardworking families at a time when it matters most. This is another step in our work to protect Ontario by building a more efficient, affordable and accessible transportation network.”

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Peterborough Woman Wanted On Theft Charges Arrested

A 36-year-old Peterborough woman is facing theft charges after an incident on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:30 p.m., general patrol officers spotted a woman wanted in connection with a theft at a local business while walking in the area of Aylmer Street and King Street. Officers took the woman into custody without incident.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5,000

• Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

• Fail to Comply with Probation 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 with the following condition: to not attend the business in this incident.

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

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Registration Open For the 2025 Fall Season

The Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) has opened registration for the 2025 Fall Season.

Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The League will consist of a Junior Division (kids born from 2015-2017) and a Senior Division (kids born from 2012-2014).

Weekly practices start on Aug. 25, Saturday games begin Sept. 13 and the season concludes on Championship Day on Nov. 1. 

Cost is $395 with Early Bird pricing of $345 in effect until July 1.

All equipment, excluding mouthguards and cleats, is provided.

“We are very excited to open our 2025 Season,” said Angela Madill, KMFL vice-president. “Last year we had the largest season in the 45-year history of the League. We are hoping to continue that success and have added a few surprises to further enhance our player and family experience this season.”

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City Hosting Open House For Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project

The City of Peterborough invites the community to share ideas and provide feedback on the conceptual design for the Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project during a public open house on May 22 at the Peterborough Public Library, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

File Photo.

The open house will take place in the Friends of the Library Community Room. At 5:30 p.m., the project team will present a presentation. 

The Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project aims to provide an inviting gateway to the downtown core while creating a safe, vibrant streetscape says the City. The project area focuses on Charlotte Street between Park Street and Aylmer Street. The project is in the conceptual planning stage. 

The project goals include:  

• Integrating multi-modal transportation options (walking and rolling, cycling, transit, and driving) 

• Supporting sustainable, efficient, and accessible travel for all ages and abilities 

• Balancing space needs for deliveries, loading, and parking for mixed travel types 

• Strengthening user experience and economic growth with improved amenities and wayfinding 

• Encouraging downtown activity through placemaking and urban design 

This project builds upon past investigations and consultation work for Charlotte Street, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards, recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents, including the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, and stakeholder consultation activities. 

Those who need accommodation to access the commenting forms can contact the Project Team at charlottestreet@peterborough.ca.

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Peterborough Lakers Partner to Raise Money For PRHC Foundation Throughout MSL Season

The Peterborough Lakers have partnered with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation as the team will help raise funds for the latter throughout the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Len Powers; Lakers board member; Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO and Dylan Hutchinson, Lakers defenceman. The Lakers start their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 22 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-Champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The PRHC Foundation’s campaign goal is $60 million, the largest fundraising effort in the hospital’s history.

The campaign aims to empower world-class care close to home, attract top healthcare professionals and address urgent hospital needs according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO.

“We're focused on a couple of key priorities. One is digital pathology. There's a laboratory on the sixth floor of the hospital where things like cancer diagnosis happen,” she explained. “Having the test results and digitized means that pathologists can share them with each other, they can share them with colleagues at other hospitals and they can do it seamlessly.”

The campaign has already raised $52.9 million. Len Powers, Lakers board member, says that the organization is committed to doing everything it can to help the PRHC after all they do for the region.

“The Lakers are all about community, and there’s nothing more ‘community’ than supporting our regional hospital,” he said. “PRHC is the heartbeat of the Peterborough region. It’s where our families turn in moments of greatest need.”

“We’re excited to team up with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said Heighway. “They represent dedication, heart, and excellence – just like our hospital. We know how strongly this region rallies around the Lakeshow and PRHC. Together, we can help reimagine healthcare.”

Throughout the MSL season, the PRHC Foundation will be at Lakers home games, sharing stories and inviting fans to get involved. To help raise founds for the Foundation, limited edition Lakers merchandise will be sold with further details released at a later date.

A special PRHC Family Night is set for June 26 against the Cobourg Kodiaks. PRHC staff and volunteers will receive a promo code for discounted tickets.

On Canada Day, the Lakers will wear Canadian-themed jerseys during the game and will auction them off after the match, with all proceeds benefiting PRHC Foundation.

“My message for people in the community is that gifts of all sizes make a difference,” concluded Heighway. “Never think that 'my gift of $25' or 'my gift of $100' isn't going to make a difference. All of that comes together and it's going to help us get to our goal.”

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Watermain Rehabilitation Begins On Several City Streets In Two Phases

Watermain rehabilitation will be taking place along several city streets throughout Peterborough beginning this week.

File Photo.

The work includes removing iron buildup inside the watermain. Iron deposits can build up over time, affecting water colour and reducing water flow.

After watermains are cleaned, a liner is applied to protect the pipe from future iron buildup. The City says this will improve water quality and flow capacity.

Other work will include testing existing water service and mainline valves, replacing valves and hydrants and relocating and installing new hydrants where required to improve fire protection.

Temporary watermains will be in place along the curb. When the work is completed, affected curbs, streets, sidewalks, driveways and boulevards will be restored.

The work will be completed in two phases.

Phase one begins this week on the following streets:

·       Rink Street, from Stewart Street to George Street

·       Lake Street, from George Street to Crescent Street

·       Gilchrist Street, from McDonnel Street to Dublin Street

·       Bethune Street, from London Street to Dublin Street

Phase two is likely to begin next month on the following roads, according to the City":

• Chambers Street, Hunter Street to Brock Street

• Clonsilla Avenue, from Whitefield Drive to The Parkway

• Union Street

• Edinburgh Street, from Union Street to George Street

• Dublin Street, from Water Street to Waterford Street

• Parkhill Road West, from Fairbairn Street to Stormont Street

• Montague Court, from Nevin Avenue to 994 Montague Court

The expects no road closures during this time but lane reductions will be in place where work is underway.

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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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