Preston Pablo, The Spades & Weber Brothers and More Round Out Peterborough Musicfest Lineup

The stage is set for the 38th season of Peterborough Musicfest as the rest of the lineup has been filled, announced on Wednesday 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.

Rounding out the rest of the lineup include Preston Pablo with special guest Noelle on July 5; The Jim Cuddy Band on July 9; The Spades & The Weber Brothers on July 26 and country music star Jess Moskaluke on July 30.

This year also features a special Canada Day concert on July 1 featuring Neon Nostalgic with a live retro video dance party, followed by fireworks over Little Lake provided by The City of Peterborough.

“We’re so excited to bring another vibrant summer of barrier-free live music to the community” said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “With new programming, exciting performers, and more reasons to come early, this season has something for everyone.”

New this year is a second stage showcasing emerging local artists starting at either 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. on select nights, with a full schedule to be released.

With support from the Government of Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Musicfest brings ‘Woven Stories: A Night of Indigenous Music, Culture, and Celebration.’

This year also features expanded food vending, with many vendors offering Happy Hour specials from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Peterborough Musicfest 50/50 Raffle also returns for another season.

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: Preston Pablo with special guest noelle

• July 9: The Jim Cuddy Band

• July 12: Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies)

• July 16: Sloan

• July 19: Gob

• July 23 ABBAMania + Night Fever (Bee Gees)

• July 26: The Spades & The Weber Brothers

• July 30: Jess Moskaluke

• 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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Patio Season Returns to Downtown Peterborough

With the sun shining and the warmer weather, patio season is ramping up as the installation of expanded areas and more pedestrian space for people visiting downtown Peterborough is mostly occuring on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Some on-street patios have already been installed. The City will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have obtained approved patio permits. 

Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of the establishment will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of the business for patio operations. 

Patio season changes include the reconfiguration of Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to facilitate more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios, along with the temporary lane reconfigurations, will create additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces. This year, Chambers Street will remain a regular one-way road and will not be closed at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be implemented on streets with patios to ensure the safety of pedestrians and customers. Parking spaces, including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio Permit applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Patio Permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio, including bistro-style tables and chairs on City-owned lands. Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and ta emporary liquor licence extension.

To ensure compliance with patio permits and limit the City’s risk related to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented. This system will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit.

The Sidewalk Patio Program began in 1997, which included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the sixth consecutive summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to accommodate more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.   

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Peterborough Lakers Earn Redemption Over Oakville Rock In Overtime Win

The Peterborough Lakers avenged their season’s only loss against the Oakville Rock by defeating them in overtime, 7-6, at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

After allowing a Josh Dawick goal from Oakville, Peterborough quickly assumed the lead with scores from Thomas Hoggarth and Brad McCulley. The score remained 2-1 after the opening period.

The second replicated the first as Oakville struck first again to tie the game but Mike Robinson and Joe Resetarits scored for Peterborough for a 4-2 lead into the third.

Oakville got their offense going, scoring the first four of five goals as Mike Hasen scored the lone goal for the Lakers. Down by one, Taite Cattoni scored the game-tying goal for Peterborough with 3:56 left to play. The goalies stood tall to force overtime.

Lakers forward Braedon Saris was acquired from the Cobourg Kodiaks on Sunday and wasted no time in making an immediate impact. He already had two assists from the second period and finished his day by scoring the game-winning goal with 2:15 left on the clock for the 7-6 overtime win.

“It was really cool playing with a lot of guys I’ve watched during the winters and kinda learned from and watched how they play,” Saris said. “They made it easy and luckily I was able to get the last one and get the win. I want to get better as a player and learn from all (my teammates) and coaches and hopefully take a run at it and win a championship.”

The Lakers return home to the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday to host the Brooklin Lacrosse Club on Sport A Rainbow Night.

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The Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre On Dec. 7

Three celebrated Canadian rock bands, The Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven are gracing the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) stage on Dec. 7 at 6:45 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough memorial Centre.

The Tea Party returns to the stage in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album TRIPtych, featuring the number one hit ‘Heaven Coming Down.’ With over three million albums sold, the multi-Platinum, Juno-nominated trio has built a legacy around blending traditional global instruments with bold, modern rock. Over 30 years after the release of their debut album, The Tea Party continues to innovate and inspire fans across generations.

Headstones bring their raw energy and fiercely independent spirit to the stage following the release of Burn All The Ships, an album praised as some of the best work of their career. Known for their legendary 90s records and signature intensity, the Kingston band is as sharp and uncompromising as ever. With a fearless approach to songwriting and a reputation for unforgettable live performances, Headstones continue to be one of Canada’s most respected rock bands.

Finger Eleven, one of the country’s most commercially successful rock groups, rounds out this powerhouse lineup. With major international hits like “One Thing” and “Paralyzer,” the band has earned multiple Gold and Platinum albums, topped both Canadian and US charts, and received the 2008 Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. Their 2023 Greatest Hits album celebrates a career that spans three decades and continues to resonate with rock fans nationwide.

Tickets are available in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office inside the PMC Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; online or by phone at 705-743-3561 ext 2.

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Peterborough Woman Charged With Fraud; $30,000 Stolen From Local Business

A 44-year-old Peterborough woman is facing a fraud charge in connection with money allegedly taken from a local business on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the business and learned that an audit had revealed that just over $30,000 had been stolen between February and June.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Fraud Over $5,000

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Monday.

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Peterborough Public Library Staffing Reorganization Paused For Considerations

The Peterborough Public Library staff reorganization, which was expected to result in a net reduction of one full-time position, has been paused for the City to consider alternative options for meeting budgetary constraints, announced on Monday.

File Photo.

A Library staff reorganization was planned to reduce the Library’s 2025 operating budget increase from 10.9 per cent to about 8 per cent, as approved through the City’s 2025 Budget. 

While the approved budget needs to be followed, the City is exploring all options to ensure the most effective means to reduce the budget while maintaining the same level and quality of service, through constructive meetings with Peterborough Public Library staff. 

Through the initial plans for a staff reorganization, the Library planned to maintain children’s library services, but would have delivered them differently through staffing changes.  

The City says it has heard and appreciates the support for Library services expressed by residents and others who have advocated for the Peterborough Public Library. The Library is a core community service that continues to receive strong support, including the opening of a new Library branch in the City’s south end at the Miskin Law Community Complex to improve access to library services. 

A press release states the City is continuing an open dialogue with Peterborough Public Library staff and their union executive, as represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1833, as discussions progress on implementing changes within the Library’s approved budget and as the collective bargaining process continues. 

The staff reorganization at the Peterborough Public Library was one of several budget changes in various City program areas that City Council approved in the City’s 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax increase, such as ending the lifeguard service at Rogers Cove beach with lifeguard service being maintained at the nearby Beavermead Park beach, ending the maintenance of the ice for skating on the Trent-Severn Waterway next to the Lift Lock, reducing preventative maintenance of City facilities, reducing funding for advertising and increasing the Peterborough Transit single ride fare by 25 cents. 

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Hydro One's Grant Gives Up to $10,000 to 50 Communities For Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant, announced at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth on Monday afternoon.

Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor (left); Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden (middle) and Bronwen Evans, Hydro One VP (right) planting the first tree at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grants support local recovery efforts from the widespread ice storm that left severe damage. The 50 recipients are local municipalities and Indigenous communities. Several Indigenous communities and municipalities declared states of emergency due to the storm with some places having ongoing clean-up.

“The ice storm caused severe and widespread impacts across the province, leaving many Indigenous communities and municipalities with devastating damage,” said Bronwen Evans, Hydro One Vice President. “We are incredibly grateful to the Indigenous community leaders, local staff and emergency responders who came together to support restoration efforts and keep everyone safe.”

Selwyn Township was one of the recipients and utilized the grant for its ReLeaf Program, donating more than 350 trees to residents who experienced vegetation loss as a result of the storm.

“Selwyn Township is incredibly grateful to Hydro One for their generous support,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “This grant allows us to work with residents to contribute to the community's recovery and beautification. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future.”

“All of Peterborough County was deeply impacted by the ice storm this spring. Some places may never look the same,” said Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County. “It’s wonderful to see Hydro One in the community long after the power was restored to help with rebuilding.”

Each community had its respective uses for the grant money which included supplying emergency shelters, restoring biodiversity and more according to Evans.

“Some of the things that people applied for were simply cleaning up debris. You can see in different areas of the province where trees have fallen and they're hanging over the side of the highway and needed to be cleaned up,” she explained. “In other cases, it was water drainage infrastructure so we did leave it up to the municipalities and communities to identify what their unique needs were.”

The ice storm spanned three days of ice accumulation that uprooted trees, downed lines and more than 2,700 broken poles across the province according to Hydro One.

@ptbo_canada To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #environment #treeplanting #treeplantingtok #icestorm ♬ NOTHING - Westover

The following are the recipients of Hydro One's Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant:

1. Alderville First Nation 

2. Alnwick Haldimand Township 

3. City of Barrie 

4. Beausoleil Island First Nation 

5. Town of Bracebridge 

6. Municipality of Brighton 

7. Brock Township 

8. Cavan-Monaghan Township 

9. Central Elgin Township 

10. Municipality of Centre Hastings  

11. Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation 

12. Chippewas of Nawash First Nation 

13. Chippewas of Rama First Nation 

14. Curve Lake First Nation 

15. Douro-Dummer Township 

16. Essa Township 

17. Georgian Bay Township 

18. Georgian Bluffs Township 

19. Town of Georgina 

20. Haliburton County 

21. Hamilton Township 

22. Hiawatha First Nation 

23. Town of Innisfil 

24. North Kawartha Township 

25. Marmora and Lake Township 

26. Melancthon Township 

27. Town of Midland 

28. Minden Hills Township 

29. Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation 

30. Mono Township 

31. Moose Deer Point First Nation 

32. District Municipality of Muskoka 

33. Muskoka Lakes Township 

34. City of Orillia 

35. Oro-Medonte Township 

36. Town of Penetanguishene 

37. Peterborough County

38. Municipality of Port Hope 

39. Ramara Township 

40. Selwyn Township 

41. Severn Township 

42. Sheguiandah First Nation 

43. Simcoe County 

44. Southgate Township 

45. Tay Township 

46. Municipality of Trent Lakes 

47. Municipality of Tweed 

48. Uxbridge Township 

49. Wahta Mohawk Nation 

50. Wasauksing First Nation 

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Peterborough Lakers Add Another Forward to Roster In Trade With Cobourg Kodiaks

The Peterborough Lakers added another weapon to their arsenal, acquiring right-hand forward Braedon Saris from the Cobourg Kodiaks in exchange for Tommy Collins and Brampton’s third-round draft pick in 2026.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The 23-year-old Burlington native is a graduate of the Jr. A Blaze where he helped the team win the 2023 Minto Cup alongside Deacan Knott and Ben Trumble.

During his junior career, Saris scored 240 points in 55 games with 112 goals and 128 assists.

Last season with Cobourg, he recorded 13 goals and 30 assists in 14 games while recording zero penalty minutes. He has played two games this season with four assists. The 6’3, 205 lb. attackman just finished his senior year at Princeton University.

According to a press release, the Lakers anticipate using Saris on the Lakers’ right side as Koleton Marquis goes back home to play with the Kahnawake Mohawks in Sr. B for the season.

The Lakers return to action for a rematch with the Oakville Rock on the road this Monday.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Impaired Driving After Performing Multiple U-Turns At a Slow Pace

A 45-year-old Peterborough man is facing an impaired charge after an incident early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 2:15 a.m., a general patrol officer in the area of George Street North and Sherbrooke Street noticed a vehicle stopped at a green light. It continued at an extremely slow speed before making a U-turn on George Street and then proceeded in the opposite direction.

The vehicle then made a second U-turn at the intersection of George Street and Sherbrooke, at which time it continued at a slow pace. The officer conducted a traffic stop. After speaking with the driver, the officer noticed signs of impairment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was issued an automatic 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 July 22.

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Another Second-Round Pick Signs OHL Standard Player Agreement With the Peterborough Petes

The Peterborough Petes have signed another 2025 second-round pick, Kieran Raynor, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re very happy to announce that Kieran has signed with the Peterborough Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations.. “He’s a hard-working forward who had a solid season last year, leading the Niagara North Stars in scoring. He also had an opportunity to play some games in GOJHL last season, showing us that he can play against older competition.”

The St. Catharines native was initially selected by the Petes in the second round, 27th overall, in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. He featured in 27 games for the Niagara North Stars U16 team last season, scoring 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points. In eight playoff games, he had five goals and eight assists for 13 points to help the North Stars to a place in the OMHA Championships and the OHL Cup. Raynor also skated in three games last season for the GOJHL’s St. Catharines Falcons, picking up one assist.

“It’s a privilege to get to sign with such a storied franchise like the Peterborough Petes,” said Raynor. “I’m still unable to process this feeling. I’m looking forward to getting to Peterborough and helping this team win.”

In the official 2025 OHL Draft Guide, OHL Director of Hockey Development Darrell Woodley wrote the following:

“Kieran is a skilled centre that drives the offense for his team and is a leader by how hard he plays the game. He is a great skater with excellent top end speed, great edge control and balance that make him hard to handle. He makes plays at high speed in all three zones and plays a very unselfish game as he moves the puck efficiently. His hockey sense is very high as he plays in every situation and knows what to do in each game situation. He is fearless in his play and plays a lot bigger than he actually is, not shying away from anyone. Kieran is a fun player to watch as he makes things happen every shift.”

Raynor is the third player from the Petes 2025 draft class to sign an OHL Standard Player Agreement after third-round pick Gerry DiCunzolo and second-round selection Matthew Perreault.

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