Peterborough Police Warn Public of Surfacing Scam Claiming to Stop Hackers

The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a warning after two reports of fraud involving a request for help to stop hackers.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incidents happened in the last three weeks in the City of Peterborough. In each case, the victim was approached by someone claiming to be connected to Microsoft or Bell Canada and that they needed the victim’s help in stopping hackers from accessing the victim's computer or bank accounts.

The scammers claim urgency to the matter and the victim needs to get money out of their bank as soon as possible so an ‘agent’ can come to their house to pick up the cash. Between the two incidents, about $25,000 was lost.

The man who picked up the money in both cases was described to police as:

• Male, Asian

• Approximately 5’6 -5’7

• Between 20 and 30 years old

• Dark Hair

• Clean cut

• Well dressed

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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Peterborough Memorial Centre Launches Assistive Listening Technology

The Peterborough Memorial Centre has launched a new assistive listening solution to enhance the experience of all guests attending live events, especially those who may be deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. 

File Photo.

This new technology will initially support access to commentary and public announcements for people utilizing assistive listening devices or who wish to stream audio to a Bluetooth device that launches on Thursday. Ongoing enhancements to the system over the coming months will include opportunities for people to tune into game play-by-plays, event-specific information and potentially live audio during concerts.  

“Live events are important and meaningful ways for Peterborough’s residents and visitors to find community with people with shared interests, and ultimately foster a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. 

“We’re excited to see this new assistive technology roll out to the Peterborough Memorial Centre where audiences of different ages and abilities can enjoy moments together,” Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The launch occurs on time for Peterborough Lakers’s home opener next Thursday. It is also ready for the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial championship, scheduled in August.  

“The Peterborough Lakers are proud to play in a venue that’s making live sports more inclusive and accessible,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chair. “This new assistive listening technology at the Peterborough Memorial Centre will enhance the fan experience and ensure that more members of our community can share in the excitement, energy, and tradition of Lakers lacrosse—starting with our home opener on May 22.” 

To use the technology, use the ‘Listen WIFI’ app on a smartphone (free download from the Apple Store or Google Play) or dedicated receivers, which must be pre-booked before the event. Once in place, users can stream intended audio during an event (e.g., public announcements) directly to a hearing aid, cochlear implant or earbuds. 

Assistive listening technology is supported through the City of Peterborough 2024-28 Accessibility Plan, which aims to foster accessibility and inclusion across municipal services, systems and spaces. Assistive listening technology is currently in place across City facilities, including at Social Services, the Peterborough Transit terminal, Service Peterborough at City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Provincial Offences Court Administration Office.  

This new technology launches in advance of National AccessAbility Week, May 25 – 31.

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Peterborough Residents Take to Ireland to Celebrate 200th Anniversary of Peter Robinson's Settler Emigration Scheme

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme, Peterborough residents took to Cobh, Ireland for a wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate the occasion on Friday.

(From left to right) David Kyffin, Counsellor and Program Manager at Embassy of Canada to Ireland; Eoighan Murphy, Chair of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotel Federation; Cllr Joe Carroll, Mayor of Cork County Council; Amanda Slattery, Manager at Ballyhoura Development CLG; John Concannon, Irish Ambassador to Canada; Brendan Moher, Chairperson of Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Peterborough; Glenn O'Meara, Descendant of O'Meara, Rathcormack 1823, Minnesota and Pádraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG. Photo courtesy of Ballyhoura Development CLG.

The event was initiated and organised by Ballyhoura Development with several partners. It honoured the memory of over 500 families from the Ballyhoura region and surrounding areas who departed on 11 ships for Upper Canada in 1823 and 1825.

The event, emceed by Ballyhoura Development Manager Amanda Slattery, was attended by Mayor of Cork County Council Cllr Joe Carroll, Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon, Canadian Embassy representative David Kyffin, Limerick City and County Council Cllr Gregory Conway, and 1825 Ships Inc. Chairperson Brendan Moher of Peterborough.

“The commemoration event was a special ceremony of remembrance, reflection, and reconnection—honouring the legacy of those who departed two centuries ago,” said Slattery.

Descendants from Canada and America took part in the ceremony. Paul Hickey of Peterborough, a descendant of a family from Doneraile who sailed on the Star, laid a wreath on behalf of the 1825 emigrants. Glenn O’Meara of Minnesota, whose ancestors left Rathcormac in 1823 aboard the Stakesby, laid a wreath in memory of the earlier group. Father Tom McDermott of Cobh led the blessing.

Moher presented Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development, a commemorative plaque representing the communities of the Ballyhoura region.

“May the vast waters of the North Atlantic never separate us from the warm fires we forever will share at the hearth of our Irish and Canadian families,” said Casey.

The event culminated in Ambassador John Concannon's official unveiling of a special exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers in Cobh Heritage Centre and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr Joe Carroll.

“I can’t express the gratitude and fondness we all felt. The Ballyhoura, Nine Ships and Cobh Heritage Centre teams created a powerful and meaningful experience,” said O'Meara. “I feel blessed to have been part of it.”

This ceremony marks the first of two major commemorative events. Ballyhoura Development will host the larger ‘Ireland-Canada Homecoming’ from September 15 to 21, welcoming descendants of the Peter Robinson Settlers back to the Ballyhoura region for a week of reconnection, storytelling and shared heritage.

“This was a truly unique experience for the descendants of this emigration, and a special day to highlight a once forgotten piece of our history,” said Slattery. “We thank all who supported and attended this memorable occasion.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballyhoura Development on this initiative and further demonstrate the emigration story of Ireland and Canada and its significance to Cobh, and look forward to sharing the exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Scheme as a key feature of the heritage centre experience,” said Breeda Keane-Shortt, Cobh Heritage Centre.

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Peterborough Musicfest Announces Steven Page, Sloan and More Added to 2025 Lineup

Barenaked Ladies’s Steven Page, Sloan and more were some of the acts added to this year’s Peterborough Musicfest lineup, announced at the Silver Bean Café on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Vince Bierworth, event emcee; Brian Ellis, MUSICFEST BOARD CHAIR and TRACEY RANDALL, Musicfest Executive Director, showing off this year’s lineup of acts. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Millbrook’s Serena Ryder, Kim Mitchell and Gob were acts announced before the full lineup release.

With a wide array of acts, the lineup caters to all music tastes but is looking to diversify it even more. With four dates (July 5, 9, 26 and 29) to be announced later, those spots will help round out all genres according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director.

“We've already covered classic rock so we now need to cover country,” she explained. “We know that two of the four are going to be country.”

Musicfest is discussing adding acts to the vacant dates but cannot release details until next month. The free-concert series has secured roughly 83 per cent of its funding and needs an additional $80,000 to finalize the lineup. Randall says once sponsorships and other funding can reach that amount, the full lineup can eventually be released.

“I've got a couple bands that are playing in other festivals, selling tickets right now so we're not allowed to announce until June,” she said. “Hopefully we'll do that as soon as we can in a couple weeks.”

New this year is a second stage to showcase more local talent as opening acts, a trial for Peterborough Musicfest that will span roughly eight to nine shows, according to Randall.

“We just found that a lot of the local bands weren't getting picked up,” she explained. “We're moving ahead with a second stage on some nights. We're going to try it for now.”

The following is this year’s Musicfest schedule:

• June 28: Serena Ryder

• July 1: Neon Nostalgic (Retro Rock Tribute)

• July 2: William Prince

• July 5: TBA

• July 9: TBA

• July 12: Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies)

• July 16: Sloan

• July 19: Gob

• July 23 ABBAMania + Night Fever (Bee Gees)

• July 26: TBA

• July 30: TBA

• Aug. 2: Acrobat (U2 Tribute)

• Aug. 6: Mudmen w/ Irish Millie

• Aug. 9: The Celtic Tenors

• Aug. 13: Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Aug. 16: Kim Mitchell

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Peterborough Police Seeking Suspects Involved In Series of Distraction Thefts

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating after several reports of a distraction theft in the past week.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11 a.m. on Saturday, an 86-year-old man was approached by a vehicle in the Clonsilla Avenue and Ford Street area. The victim thought they were asking for directions. However, the driver put a fake gold ring in his hand. When the victim then bent down to speak to the female passenger, she grabbed his face and put a heavy gold chain around his neck while seeming to be praying for his well-being.  Later that night, the victim noticed that his gold necklace was gone.

At approximately 2:50 p.m. on Monday, an 86-year-old man was approached by a vehicle while walking in the Stewart Street and Rubidge Street area. While speaking to the female passenger, it’s believed his necklace was exchanged for a fake one.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Tuesday, a 66-year-old woman was approached by a vehicle in a parking lot in the Clonsilla Avenue and Goodfellow Road area. While speaking to the female passenger, the victim said her gold chain was exchanged for a fake gold chain.

In each instance, it was reported that there was a male driver, a female passenger, and one or two children in the back seat. The adults had accents and were in their 40s.

A photo of the vehicle was found and is described as:

• White Ford Edge

• Nova Scotia plate HCL 257

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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CMHA HKPR Accepting Nominations For Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

According to CMHA HKPR, community members are encouraged to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in our community. This includes volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness, and their family members.

Applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary are open for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness. The deadline for award and bursary submissions is June 23 at 4:30 p.m.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

• The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

• The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

• The Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

• The Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance.

• The Champion of Mental Health acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

• Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Bursaries are awarded yearly at CMHA HKPR’s Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, or Haliburton residents.

Tam Grant Memorial Bursary applications and nomination forms can be found online.

All award nominations and bursary applications must be received by June 23 at 4:30 p.m. Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their awards or bursaries at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting in September.

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List of City Services On Victoria Day 2025

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed on Monday. 

Waste collection and facilities 

Due to the Victoria Day holiday, curbside Green Bin, yard waste, and garbage collection schedules have not changed.  

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday. 

Airport 

The Peterborough Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed.

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Monday.

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum. 

Recreation facilities and arenas 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. and the Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Marina will be open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Victoria Day. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Monday.

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Parks 

Some City parks and trails remain closed due to tree hazards. An updated list of open parks is available at peterborough.ca/StormUpdate. 

Park seasonal washrooms are expected to open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier based on maintenance schedules. 

Parking Services 

On weekends and holidays, parking in City-operated garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces is free. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Monday.

Provincial Offences Act office 

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The customer service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525. 

Social Services 

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. resume on Tuesday.

Child care centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096. 

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Peterborough Teen Charged With Robbery at Brock Street FreshCo.

An 18-year-old Peterborough male is facing multiple charges including a robbery at a Brock Street FreshCo on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:15 p.m., a robbery was in progress at the grocery store where a Loss Prevention Officer and the store owner had been injured after a confrontation with a male. Both victims were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  

Officers searched the area and located a male matching the description given to police a few blocks away. He was taken into custody and had an article search conducted by Emergency Response Team officers and K9 Gryphon. A knife was located and seized along with some other items.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with violence x2

• Failure to comply with youth sentence order x2

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

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Otonabee Conservation Releases 2024 Annual Report

Otonabee Conservation released its 2024 Annual Report to the Watershed Community at its board meeting on April 17, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The report is an interactive, web-based story map featuring maps and videos highlighting last year’s accomplishments.

“This report highlights the power of collaboration—celebrating the shared accomplishments of our eight member municipalities, dedicated community organizations, staff, and the Board of Directors as we work together to protect and enhance the Otonabee Region watershed,” said Michael Metcalf, Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors Chair.

Highlights from 2024 include:

• 910 trees and shrubs by 180 volunteers at 3 locations in the watershed

• 427 daily canoe and kayak rentals in 2024 - 1,961 hours of paddling

• 31,505 campers were hosted in our three campgrounds in 2024 and hosted 22,815 day-use visitors at Warsaw Caves Conservation Areas

• 16 Flood Forecasting and Warning watershed safety messages were issued but did not issue any low water messages

• 850 hours were spent engineering new models and finalizing new floodplain mapping in 2024, including for Byersville Creek and Jackson Creek

• Two anniversaries for our Conservation Areas were celebrated last year, 30 years for Hardold Town and 60 Years for Warsaw Caves

“Otonabee Conservation’s 2024 Annual Report highlights the year’s accomplishments as we continue to address the impacts of climate change and foster collaboration to build a safer, more resilient watershed for everyone,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO.

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James Stevenson Park Becomes Site For 40th Pet Valu Walk For Dog Guides Fundraiser

Canines and humans will march at the 40th Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser, which will be held at James Stevensen Park on May 25 at 1 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

As one of 200 community walks across Canada, proceeds go towards Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This year’s Walk is five km and aims to raise $1.6 million for more dog guides.

“When Dog Guides hosted its first fundraising walk forty years ago, it was a small community affair that supported our Canine Vision Program, the only program we offered at the time,” said Bev Crandall, Dog Guides CEO. “Dog Guides has grown significantly over the past four decades. Today there are more than 800 working dog guides across seven different programs, providing life-changing assistance to their handlers in every province.”

According to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, each dog guide costs approximately $35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place.

Registration for the event can be found online.

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