City Closes Sports Fields and Baseball Diamonds Temporarily Due to Wet Conditions

The City of Peterborough's natural sports fields and baseball diamonds are extremely wet due to Wednesday's rainfall and they are temporarily closed to avoid further damage, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All sports and recreational users are asked to stay off the City's natural sports fields and diamonds until further notice. Damaged turf and divots can create safety concerns for players according to the City. If fields require repairs, their reopening could be delayed or they may have to be taken out of play while work is completed, negatively impacting user field time.

The City expects rainy conditions to continue Friday and through the weekend. All natural sports fields and baseball diamond facilities will be closed until 4 p.m. on Monday.

City staff will assess the facilities on Sunday morning pending the rainfall on Saturday. If conditions allow for earlier reopening, scheduled user groups will be contacted.

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Peterborough Lakers Hold Off Third-Period Surge For 13-10 Season Opener Win

The Peterborough Lakers held off a six-goal rally from the Brooklin L.C. to win their season opener 13-10 at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

Peterborough dominated the opening period with Carter Page starting the scoring. After letting up a power-play goal, the Lakers saw Holden Cattoni score two and Dylan Hutchinson get one for a 4-1 lead after the first.

Brooklin rung off two straight goals to open the second period to make it 4-3 but the Lakers went on a seven-goal run shortly after. Colton Armstrong, Brad McCulley, Koleton Marquis, Taite Cattoni, Thomas Hoggarth and Page’s second were part of that streak. Both teams traded goals at the end of the period for an 11-4 game.

Brooklin was not leaving the game quietly as they had a 5-1 run until the final 5:12 of the game. Austin Hasen had a late powerplay goal, his second of the period, to give the Lakers some insurance. Brooklin scored once more but it was too little, too late and Peterborough held on for the 13-10 win.

The Lakers have their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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City Council Approves Automated Speed Enforcement In Designated Community/Safety Zones

City Council approved implementing automated speed enforcement in selected designated Safety Zones and/or Community Safety Zones in Peterborough with four speed enforcement cameras in 2025/2026 for an initial two-year period during their meeting on Tuesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is a technology-enabled enforcement tool comprised of a camera and a speed measurement device. It enforces the maximum posted speed by capturing photographs of vehicles exceeding it.

In Ontario, ASE cameras are strategically positioned in School Zones (SZs) and Community Safety Zones (CSZs) to promote and improve community traffic and pedestrian safety. Offences captured by ASE systems are reviewed and certified by Provincial Offences Officers and issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. This enforcement tool aims to reduce vehicles' excessive speed and complement existing educational, engineered, and other speed reduction measures.

A review of research studies on the effectiveness of ASE programs, published by Ontario municipalities, shows that ASE is an effective tool for reducing a driver’s speed and improving community safety. The municipalities in the review included the City of Ottawa, the City of Guelph, and the City of Toronto. 

Staff proposes a phased deployment, securing four cameras in 2025/2026 for an initial two-year period. This approach will allow staff to validate site selection, compliance rate, camera rotation logistics, cost/revenue, and provide the opportunity to evaluate the program to inform future expansion.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has the final decision-making power regarding a municipality's ability to operate an ASE program. This decision is ultimately based on necessity and a demonstrated need for that municipality to reduce traffic or speeding incidents within its jurisdiction.

In June 2023, Council approved a City-wide speed limit reduction in school areas and the implementation of Community Safety Zones (CSZs) at 30 elementary and secondary schools within its jurisdiction. Results of a post-implementation vehicle speed and compliance study revealed an average operating speed reduction of 6.5 km/h. However, the average operating speed is 11.5 km/h above the 40 km/h posted speed.

Implementing an Automated Speed Enforcement program in school areas and Community Safety Zones will cost approximately $489,000, funds for which are available in the uncommitted balance of the approved 2025 Capital Budget for Red Light Camera—Automated Speed Enforcement says the City.

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Photos: PVNC Students Get Hands-On Experience With Indigenous Skilled Trades Day

Around 215 Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic students from 26 schools got their hands-on learning experience at the Indigenous Skilled Trades Day at Trent University on Wednesday.

Zain Kailsli, 12 (left), gets a hands-on quilling lesson from Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art (right). All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

There were 30 tradespeople vendors, with nearly half as Indigenous, showcasing their respective trades. These including quilling, hide scraping and more. Other trades were present at the event that included framing, carpentry, welding and others.

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Three Charged With Manslaughter; One Other Charged With Assault After Altercation Leads to Death of Peterborough Man

Three men are facing manslaughter charges, with another facing aggravated assault, after an incident involving the death of a 41-year-old Peterborough man over the May long weekend.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, Peterborough Police located a man with no vital signs in the Brock Street and George Street North area. They learned that there had been a verbal argument that escalated to a physical altercation between the victim and a larger group.

The victim was taken to the hospital and was pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries on Monday.

Four suspects were identified as a result of the Peterborough Police’s investigation. They believe the parties had ongoing interactions throughout the evening but had no relation prior to the incident.

“At this point, there are no suspects outstanding in the investigation and there are no known risks to public safety,” said Detective Sergeant Josh McGrath. “This was a targeted incident that unfortunately escalated into a deadly interaction.”

One suspect was located by detectives around 1 a.m. on Monday and taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Matthew Janssen-Supernault was arrested and charged with:

• Aggravated Assault

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Monday.

Detectives arrested two more suspects on Tuesday.

24-year-old Dylan Moffatt was charged with:

• Manslaughter

35-year-old Matthew Smith was charged with:

• Manslaughter

Moffant and Smith are being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

24-year-old Noah Stetski, turned himself in to police on Tuesday. He was arrested and charged with:

• Manslaughter

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

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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"The Work Starts Tomorrow" Journalist Paul Rellinger Announced As United Way Chair For 2025 Community Campaign

Local journalist Paul Rellinger has been named United Way Peterborough & District’s Chair of the 2025 Community Campaign, announced on Wednesday.

Paul Rellinger (left) celebrates his newly-appointed position with his wife Mary (right). Rellinger has been a journalist for 44 years with stints with Peterborough This Week, KawarthaNOW and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui

“I am equal parts humbled and honoured to be tasked with leading the Campaign Cabinet as the United Way embarks on yet another appeal, particularly when I reflect on the quality and dedication of the community leaders who have held this position prior,” said Rellinger.

Rellinger has organized the United Way’s annual fundraising concert, ‘Peterborough Performs,’ which has raised almost $150,000 in the five years it has been running.

“While we can celebrate the success of the past campaign, the need continues, not only for the United Way’s partner agencies but across our communities,” said Rellinger. “The United Way campaign does more than direct much-needed dollars to where they can do the most good. The campaign provides hope for a better tomorrow, all while reinforcing what many of us already know – that this is a community that cares for, and looks after, its own. That this is a community that rejects poverty, homelessness and social injustice in all its forms, and does what it can, what it must, to lessen the burden of those who, for whatever reason, are caught up in the continued spiral of inequity.”

As Chair, Rellinger’s duties include leading a team of volunteer leaders to orchestrate fundraising efforts, strengthen donor engagement and host inclusive community events.

“A Campaign chair is only as good as their cabinet,” he explained. “If you surround yourself with dedicated, capable and fun people who don't mind rolling up their sleeves and take on those tasks, it just becomes not necessarily easier but it becomes successful in the end.”

Rellinger’s thoughtful leadership and heartfelt belief in the power of local action are expected to inspire many to get involved according to Jim Russell, United Way CEO,

“Paul’s dedication and passion for our community are truly inspiring,” he said. “His connection to the organization is rooted in a belief that a thriving community takes collective effort and shared responsibility. He understands that the campaign is not just about raising funds, but rather about igniting hope and creating a shared sense of purpose. We are confident that under his leadership, the 2025 Campaign will be a remarkable success.”

@ptbo_canada Local journalist Paul Rellinger has been named the United Way Peterborough & District Chair of the 2025 Community Campaign. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

After being appointed chair, Rellinger has not disclosed his priorities when asked as he will attend a two-day United Way conference in Toronto starting Thursday. He says he wants to surpass last year’s fundraising goal and will better understand his goals upon his return.

“$1.5 million+ was great but we can do better and I know we will do better,” he explained. “The work starts tomorrow and it's going to be a full day. I think if you ask me this question next week, I can say ‘yeah, these are the things we're identifying.’”

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Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading Program Moves to Cobourg

Fleming College has moved its Academic Upgrading classes to Cobourg at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, located at 739 D'Arcy St., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming says the move offers students a bright, open and welcoming space equipped with modern amenities and convenient access.

“Our Work and Academic Upgrading courses in Northumberland County are now better positioned to serve the community,” said Kate McIntosh, Fleming College Student Experience Vice President. “Being based out of Venture13 allows us to connect more directly with local businesses, creating opportunities for organizational assessments and customized skills training. It also gives our learners the chance to network and gain exposure to potential employers, which can inspire their career paths.” 

“The Town of Cobourg is pleased to host Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program at the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre,” said Mayor Lucas Cleveland. “This program aligns with Venture13’s vision as a community learning hub and supports greater opportunity for Cobourg youth and adults looking to upgrade their education and improve their employment prospects.”

Fleming’s Academic Upgrading program is free with training in English, math, science and computer literacy. It is meant to prepare students for post-secondary studies, apprenticeship programs or employment. 

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Open House For Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project This Thursday

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 Thursday 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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Alzheimer Society's Annual Walk Fundraiser Runs This Saturday at Justin Chiu Stadium

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is getting their feet moving at Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium for the IG Wealth Management Annual Walk fundraiser this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Jen Johnstone, the Alzheimer Society's executive director, all proceeds from the event will go towards the organization’s programs and services in three ways.

“One is supporting counselling and healthcare navigation. It's very complicated demntia so people need a lot of support navigating that healthcare system,” she explained. “It goes towards education for our clients, for the public and it goes towards social recreation programs like our famous Minds and Motions program.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $114,790, with $42,000 raised at the publication of this article. The number is a fun but informative way to get people to walk 14,790 steps, representing the 14,790 people diagnosed with dementia in the region alone. Johnstone says that this number is likely higher than what has been officially recorded.

“Dementia is growing very, very rapidly. Based on the landmark study that was released by the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, from 2021 to 2030, we're expecting a 65 per cent increase in the number living with dementia.”

That increasing trend will continue based on their case studies and conducted research, says Johnstone.

“Dementia is going to triple beyond that to 2050 so we're already going to see that skyrocketing rate of dementia and we know that it can take a very long time to get a diagnosis,” she said. “The healthcare system is currently backlogged so we know that there are a lot of people living with the disease and just starting that journey.”

In addition to raising money, Johnstone wants the event to continue creating awareness for the community as it affects a large number of people in the covered community.

“It's really key for our community to be aware of dementia. We have one of the largest older adult populations in the country; well over a quarter of our population is over the age of 65 and so it's a really important issue in our region,” she explained. “We are really on the front lines of dementia so it is building that awareness as well as building that sense of community and hope.

Participants can register on-site or online. Money can be raised through a pledge form as an individual or a team. Donations are also welcomed at the event. Anyone is welcome to walk and dogs are permitted at the fundraiser.

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Canada Post Workers Set to Strike Friday Unless Agreement Is Reached

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has handed strike notices to Canada Post for both the urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers bargaining units, announced on Monday.

Canada Post says The potential for another strike comes at a critical moment for the postal system. Since 2018, the Corporation has recorded more than $3 billion in losses before tax and it will post another significant loss for 2024. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CUPW’s notice says they intend to begin strike activity on Friday noon barring an agreement from both parties. Canada Post’s operations continue as usual until there is a possible strike.

CUPW has released the following statement:

“We can confirm that a 72-hour strike notice has been issued. This step was taken in part to respond to the employer's recent indication that it may unilaterally change working conditions and suspend employee benefits.

This step was also taken to facilitate the continuation of our right to strike that was put on pause by the CIRB in December 2024. There is still time to return to the bargaining table. We remain committed to negotiating collective agreements and urge the employer to do the same.

Our goal continues to be negotiated collective agreements that support the well-being of workers, the communities we serve, and the sustainability of the public post.”

Should CUPW strike, Canada Post says it intends to continue delivering in unaffected areas while working to reach agreements. As a result of the strike, customers may experience service delays.

According to Canada Post, if there is a national labour disruption, mail and parcels will not be delivered, and no new items will be accepted until it ends. Once operations resume, all mail and parcels in their network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible.

Canada Post expects that processing and delivery may take some time to fully return to normal following a rotating strike or a national labour disruption.

They released a statement regarding the ongoing negotiation status between he two parties:

“Canada Post remains committed to reaching collective agreements focused on protecting and enhancing the wages and benefits that are important to our people while reflecting the Corporations’ current realities.”

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced repayable funding of up to $1.034 billion for Canada Post to prevent insolvency.

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