Registration For City's Aquatics Programs Opens Next Week

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s summer Aquatic programs opens next week.

File Photo.

Swimming programs are available for all ages and abilities, including learn-to-swim classes for children and adults and advanced lifeguard and swim instructor classes for experienced swimmers.

Registration opens for Peterborough Sport and Wellness members on Tuesday at 7 a.m. Registration opens to the public on Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration is online or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2.

Recreation subsidies are available for those qualifying low-income residents and families.

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Vehicle Theft Suspect Jumps Curb to Avoid Spike Belt

To add another piece of attempted thefts of Toyota-brand vehicles that have occurred over the past few weeks, Peterborough Police are seeking a driver who jumped a curb to avoid a spike belt early Wednesday morning.

At roughly 2:50 a.m., officers were called about a suspicious vehicle in the subdivision at Parkhill Road West and Chandler Crescent where a Toyota Highlander was being targeted.

As officers approached the house, a person was spotted jumping into the passenger seat of a black BMW SUV that fled at a high rate of speed. Officers had set up a spike belt at the subdivision entrance; however, the suspect vehicle jumped the curb, crossed a front lawn and then sped off westbound on Parkhill Road. 

The suspect is described as:

  • Black male, 

  • Approximately 6'

  • Wearing black top 

The suspect vehicle is described as:

  • Black

  • BMW

  • SUV

  • No license plate

Between midnight and 8 a.m. on May 29, three incidents, including one attempted theft and two stolen vehicles, were reported to police. One vehicle was taken from the University Heights Boulevard and Water Street area. It was located the next day in Toronto.

There was an attempt to steal a vehicle in the Parkhill Road West and Chandler Crescent area and a third vehicle was stolen from that subdivision. The investigation revealed that the stolen vehicle was taken to the Lily Lake Road subdivision, where the GPS was disabled before both the stolen vehicle and the suspect left the area.

In each of the incidents, the vehicles were Toyota-brand vehicles.

The focus remains on Toyota vehicles, primarily trucks and larger SUVs. The Peterborough Police Service is working with other police jurisdictions and is asking residents with these vehicles to be extra vigilant.

Police say to consider taking the following precautions:

  • parking another vehicle in front of the vehicle or in your garage, if possible, to make it difficult for thieves to drive off

  • if your vehicle comes with a tracking system, please make sure it is installed and activated

  • using a theft deterrent device

If you spot any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please report it to Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency or crime in progress. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Charge Low-Speed Vehicle Driver

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) driver in Peterborough has been charged for operating it on a city street on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Around 11:30 a.m., officers stopped the vehicle in the Barnardo Avenue and O’Carroll Avenue area.

The driver was charged under the Highway Traffic Act Regulation with:

  • Drive LSV not in accordance with the regulation

  • Owner operate a LSV on a highway with no insurance

Peterborough Police Service Traffic Management Unit Officers remind the public about the rules around low-speed vehicles.

Low-speed vehicles are defined as:

  • designed for use primarily on streets and roads where access and the use of other prescribed classes of vehicles are controlled by law or agreement,

  • travels on four wheels,

  • powered by an electric power train (an electric motor and, if present, a transmission) that is designed to allow the vehicle to attain a speed of 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h in a distance of 1.6 km on a paved level surface,

  • not using fuel as an on-board source of energy, and

  • having a GVWR of less than 1 361 kg; 

“The Traffic Management Unit has learned in some cases these vehicles are being called ‘enclosed mobility devices’ which is not correct,” according to a statement in a press release. “As they are considered low-speed vehicles they can only be operated on municipal roadways if the municipality has a by-law allowing for such activity.  In Peterborough, such a by-law does not exist, therefore anyone using them on roadways will be stopped and could face charges under the Highway Traffic Act Regulations.”

Anyone who operates an LSV on a highway may be subject to an automatic court appearance in the form of a summons, with fines ranging from $250 to $ 2,500.

Traffic complaints or concerns can be filed with the Traffic Management Unit and fill out the Driving Complaint Report. Dial 9-1-1 if the situation is an emergency.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Overage Forward From Kingston For Three Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes have traded for overage forward Matthew Soto from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Sarnia’s third-round pick in 2027, Oshawa’s fifth-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2029, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Robert Lefebvre and the OHL.

The St. Paul, Minn. native was originally selected by the Frontenacs in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Over four seasons with Kingston, Soto has played in 231 games, scoring 64 goals and adding 93 assists for 157 points. During his career, Soto has also appeared in 27 playoff games for the Frontenacs, scoring five goals and adding five assists for 10 points.

“We’re very excited to add Matthew Soto to our group as we prepare for the new season,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Matthew is a player who will bring a lot of experience to our team, having played in over 230 games during his career in Kingston. We’re looking forward to seeing him take the ice at training camp later this year.”

In 2023, Soto attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp after leading the Frontenacs in scoring with 42 points in 54 games. During the 2023-24 season, Soto hit a career high in three offensive categories, scoring 25 goals and adding 31 assists for 56 points.

“I’m excited and grateful to get an opportunity to play for the Peterborough Petes,” said Soto. “I look forward to connecting with my teammates and getting to play in front of the amazing fans at the PMC next season.”

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Open House For Television Road Bridge Replacement Project

The community is invited to share ideas and provide feedback on the design of the Television Road Bridge Replacement Project during a public open house on June 26, held in the City Hall lobby from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FIle Photo.

Displays of the latest designs will be set up and the project team will be on site to answer any questions.

The Television Road Bridge Replacement Project aims to provide a replacement for the aging bridge over Meade Creek while accommodating roadworks and possible future upgrades. This project is consultant-led, with the design work being completed by Jewell Engineering. The project is in the design stage and construction is expected to begin in 2026.

This project builds on the recommendations of the Television Road Bridge Replacement Environmental Study Report, completed in late 2023, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards and recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents.  

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GreenUP Replants Native Trees at Ecology Park to Restore Urban Canopy

GreenUP and several volunteers are sprucing up their Ecology Park as they restored their tree canopy along the Trans Canada Trail on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Mayve Macfarlane (left), Kary MacMillan (middle) and Simon Dadds (right) toss compost on one of 12 full-size specimen trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Twelve large specimen trees and two large shrubs were planted. The previous trees had to be replaced due to severe weather in recent years and the presence of invasive pests.

The trees planted include Black Walnut, American Mountain Ash, Cucumber Magnolia, Eastern Redbud, and Pawpaw trees. Educational signage accompanies the trees to highlight their significance and 140 trees are being planted this fall, according to Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director.

“Restoring the canopy is about more than trees, it’s about strengthening our connection to the land and investing in our community’s future,” she said.

@ptbo_canada GreenUP and several volunteers are sprucing up their Ecology Park as they restored their tree canopy along the Trans Canada Trail. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #environment #treeplanting #treeplantingtok ♬ Plant a tree - Andre Marteen

The work was funded by an $8,000 Planting for Tomorrow grant which an anonymous donor also matched.

“We are grateful to the Trans Canada Trail and to all of our donors, for their support in protecting native biodiversity,” said Moss.

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Recipients For Community Futures Peterborough's CAP Funding Announced

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Program (CAP), a non-repayable funding program that supports projects fostering economic stability, investment, and employment across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, CPF marked the milestone by committing a record-breaking investment of $100,000 to 10 local organizations.

To honour four decades of supporting local businesses, CFP distributed $10,000 in non-repayable funds to each successful applicant through the 2025 Community Advancement Program, resulting in a total investment of $100,000.

This special anniversary initiative highlights CFP’s longstanding commitment to promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout the region according to the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of AI and Digital Innovation and Minister.

“The projects supported through the Community Advancement Program are a testament to the innovation, ambition, and local leadership driving economic growth in Peterborough and the surrounding region,”he said. “Through FedDev Ontario, our government is proud to support the Community Futures Program and invest in the people and organizations creating real momentum. We are empowering local entrepreneurs, generating good jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient economy right here at home during these times of global economic uncertainty.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CAP supports strategic projects that align with CFP's vision for sustainable economic development and regional resilience. The program is designed to create community economic stability, growth, and job creation, develop and diversify competitive rural economies, and foster economically sustainable communities. 

The 2025 CAP recipients are:

  • Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

  • Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA)

  • Junior Achievement

  • Hiawatha First Nation

  • Peterborough County

  • 4th Line Theatre

  • Curve Lake First Nation

  • Farms at Work

  • New Canadians Centre

  • ReFrame Film Festival

“These projects reflect the spirit and mission we had in mind for the Community Advancement Program - to empower local organizations that are creating tangible, positive impacts on the economic landscape of our communities,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “From arts and culture to agriculture, education, and equity, these initiatives are helping shape a vibrant future for both the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will use the funds to support a bursary initiative designed to help children who have been involved with Children’s Aid achieve their post-secondary education goals.

“We are so grateful for the funds Community Futures Peterborough is providing to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation through the 2025 Community Advancement Program,” said Carrie Truman, executive director. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of youth who are connected to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and pursuing their post-secondary education goals. It is amazing the hurdles these youth have overcome, and so exciting that they are focused on their future by working towards achieving their education goals.” 

Farms at Work will be using funding from the Community Advancement Program to hire a project manager to launch and support their Community Farm. This initiative will provide hands-on, experiential education to aspiring entrepreneurs in agriculture through workshops and guided tours of established farms.

“Farms at Work is grateful to receive this Community Advancement Program funding to support planning of our long-envisioned Community Learning Farm. These funds, along with in-kind support from the Peterborough County Economic Development team and farm owner Jason McIntosh, bring the dream of a place to farm closer for aspiring farmers and will benefit the community for many years to come,” said Heather Thoma, Farms at Work operations manager. "We welcome community participation - whether as volunteers, food growers looking for land and educational support or benefactors.”

The New Canadians Centre will use the funding to advance the goals of the Workplace Inclusion Charter, which include fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, supporting employee attraction and retention, boosting productivity and innovation, and enhancing overall employee well-being.

“Immigration is a key component of the future of our labour force and working age population,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “The Workplace Inclusion Charter project will help participating local businesses attract and retain immigrant talent while fostering positive workplace experiences for newcomers.”

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Class of 2025 Inductees Released For Pathway of Fame

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2025 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 9.

The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park, in 1998. Photo courtesy of the Pathway of Fame.

The following are this year’s inductees:

  • Jerry Allen (Dramatic Arts)

  • Roy Craft (Entertainment)

  • Ted Dawes (Samaritan)

  • Susan Dunkley (Community Builder)

  • Juile Fallis (Dramatic Arts)

  • Dr. Garry Humphreys (Community Builder, Posthumous Induction)

  • Peggy Shaughnessy (Samaritan)

  • Bob Trennum (Entertainment)

The Heritage Trio is performing prior to the induction ceremony. The event is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

Inductees were chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by a newly appointed citizens’ committee tasked with reviewing nominations, followed by recommendations.

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Healing Circles to Take Place In Response to Nogojiwanong Project Vandalism

In response to the vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project Panels in Millennium Park, the City of Peterborough is holding a Healing Circle for those who may have been affected by the incident, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The graffiti was reported on June 3.

The City is providing the following reference to available supports: 

  • Talk 4 Healing, a culturally grounded, fully confidential help line for Indigenous women that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provided by Aboriginal Alert, Canada’s Indigenous Awareness, 1-855-554-4325, https://www.aboriginalalert.ca/service-providers/talk-4-healing 

  • Provincial mental health supports directory provided by Canadian Mental Health Association, https://ontario.cmha.ca/provincial-mental-health-supports/ 

  • Kids Help Phone, Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from trained responders. Visit the Kids Help Phone website for online chat support or to access online resources for children and youth. 

  • Hope for Wellness Help Line, Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services. Support is available in English and French and, by request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. 

A virtual Healing Circle will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and an in-person Healing Circle will be held at the Nogojiwanong Project location in Millennium Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17. Participants of the in-person Healing Circle are asked to bring their own lawn chair, if desired. 

The virtual Healing Circle is created as a safe and supportive space for community members to share and reflect on the impact of the recent defacing of the Nogojiwanong Project — a set of three interpretive panels commemorating the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. This gathering is especially intended to support Indigenous community members and allies, offering an opportunity to come together, listen, and contribute to the healing process. 

Registration is required to attend the virtual Healing Circle. Registration closes at noon on June 16. Space is limited to ensure that all attendees have an opportunity to participate. Those who register will receive the link to attend the meeting. The registration form is available on the City’s website at https://form.peterborough.ca/Virtual-Healing-Circle-Registration.

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Peterborough's Greg Hamilton Inducted Into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

A Peterborough name is in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, as Greg Hamilton was inducted at the facility in St. Mary’s, Ont., on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.

While he was born on July 26, 1965, in Toronto, Hamilton was raised in Peterborough and has served in prominent leadership roles with Baseball Canada for over three decades. During that time, he has overseen the most successful era in the history of the national teams program according to the Hall of Fame.

“Having grown up in the Canadian baseball system and spent the vast majority of my professional baseball career working for Baseball Canada, it is an absolute honour to be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.,” said Hamilton.

A Princeton University graduate, Hamilton was named the pitching coach of Canada’s Senior National Team in 1992. He held that post until 1995, when he became the head coach of the Junior National Team the following year.

Hamilton heads the junior team while doubling as director of men’s national teams. The Junior National Team has won three medals: a silver at the U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2012 and bronze medals at the same event in 1997 and 2006. Among the players Hamilton has coached on the junior squad are major league all-stars Jason Bay, Justin Morneau, Michael Soroka, Josh Naylor, Russell Martin and Michael Saunders.

As Senior National Team General Manager, Hamilton assembled the Canadian squads that captured gold at the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games – the first two golds ever won by the Canadian senior team. Hamilton also put together the rosters for the Canadian teams that competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, as well as in all five World Baseball Classics.

Before joining Baseball Canada, Hamilton worked as an assistant coach with Princeton University for two years, then as the pitching coach of the French National team in 1994.

In 2022, Hamilton was a recipient of Baseball America’s Tony Gwynn Award for his lifetime contributions to baseball. The ensuing year, he was inducted into the Baseball Ontario Hall of Fame.

Hamilton was inducted alongside other baseball greats such as former Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista; former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Érik Bédard; Baseball Canada pitcher Amada Asay; Montréal Expos administrative staff Gerry Snyder and pioneer for women’s baseball, Arleene (Johnson) Noga.

Hamilton was elected to the Hall of Fame on Feb. 12.

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